Power Vs Manual Steering & Tires

[jrdamien]

'50 3100 build. 235 with a T5 and 3.54 rear.

I'm still debating power vs manual but now it's time to actually decide. I have the original column and box and they seem to work well. Stock steering is the easy and cheap way but...is it going to suck?

If I stick to stock can anyone recommend some tires for easy turning but also safe daily driving? 15x7 wheels and I'm thinking 215/75/15's.

[capnduane]

I'm running 185/65/15 on 7in wide wheels on the front. Steers great, handles great, with stock steering. Gives me a nice rubber rake too.

[jrdamien]

Originally Posted by capnduane

I'm running 185/65/15 on 7in wide wheels on the front. Steers great, handles great, with stock steering. Gives me a nice rubber rake too.

Wow 185. What's on the rear? No issues in wet weather?

[capnduane]

My truck is set up to look like a 60's Calif hotrod, like I would have driven back then in High School. 235/75/15 on 10in wide wheels on the rear, can't say about wet weather, whats that?

[jrdamien]

Originally Posted by capnduane

My truck is set up to look like a 60's Calif hotrod, like I would have driven back then in High School. 235/75/15 on 10in wide wheels on the rear, can't say about wet weather, whats that?

A huge factor in wheel decision is what that is here in MN!

[NEWFISHER]

I run a 225/75/15 on manual steering....straight axle 6 degree shims and all of Sid's steering arms etc. no problems. If you go with a smaller diameter steering wheel you would want power steering

[Sethmark]

I have a manual rack on my truck. It's only a pain at slow speeds and running a 17" steering wheel makes it totally live able. I would do power steering if I was starting fresh, but it's not worth the cost to swap to me.

[Coach529]

215/75-15's on mine with stock steering wheel. No issues unless I am trying to park in a tight area. Normal driving is pretty much a 1 hand deal.

[curmudgeon]

Also using 215/75-15 on 6" rims with manual steering on a MII rack. A little too much effort for urban driving but fine for rural, highway use. I keep tire pressures at 36# and all season radials would help in your area.

Another small consideration would be adapting the power steering pump to the stovebolt engine. Sources like Steve at Buffalo Enterprises can provide a double groove harmonic balancer.

[OrrieG]

Stock manual steering with 16" wheels and 7.50/16 tires was ok except for tight parking and 3 point turns on logging roads. First build I used the stock box adapted to the 74 k10 axle. Tire size increased to 225/75 16 which combined with additional weight and stuff on the 4wd axles made it even more difficult. it also totally worn out the box. This time I went with the power unit and so far just driving the little bit I have love it. I am dealing with the same issue on my 64 Chevelle and got a power set up to use when I rebuild it.