davehummell Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 I took the truck for a short drive this morning. I will have to do something about the steering, I have a bad back and it just about did me in. Any ideas about power steering that a person can afford? I have a machine shop and fab shop I can use. Thank you Dave. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back In Black Pulling Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 There is ad in for sale section listing air assist steering. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349794 Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 I know of a couple of B's that were converted to P/S using an R model box. They also had to have the mounting plate fabricated and had to use the R model steering column & shaft (slip yoke),as the original shaft in a B-61 was solid. It took some engineering, but worked well from what I was told. Al Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349822 Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehummell Posted October 25, 2016 Author Share Posted October 25, 2016 Thank you, 57 bcr and back in black I didn't want air steering. I drove an F cabover with it and I just didn't care for it. I think the R steering setup looks like an interesting project. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349853 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 Dave if you are interested, I am parting out an MH, you are welcome to any steering parts you may need. It has the pump mounted on the back of the air compressor. Entire front axle with Budd hubs is available. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349854 Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 1 hour ago, Underdog said: Dave if you are interested, I am parting out an MH, you are welcome to any steering parts you may need. It has the pump mounted on the back of the air compressor. Entire front axle with Budd hubs is available. I'll bet the MH axle is different than the B from center bolt to center bolt. terry 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349858 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 I'll bet the MH axle is different than the B from center bolt to center bolt. terry Probably, but I'm just throwing it out there for any useful parts. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349859 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryS Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 I used a Garrison hydraulic steering assist that works well. I had to fabricate the axle attaching bracket but other than that it was a bolt on using the original steering box. The pump is driven from the back of the generator. Someone in the past few months had a complete setup for sale. I don't remember where I saw the ad. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349865 Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehummell Posted October 25, 2016 Author Share Posted October 25, 2016 I looked under at the spindles an I think this has a Rockwell axel maybe a 12000# looks like one on the freightliner tractors I used to repair. I was talking to my buddy and I don't remember my autocar steering this hard or my white cabover. He said maybe I am over the hill. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349873 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 Could be a Rockwell. What model of B do you have? B-53 and B-57 had Rockwell front axles for example. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349876 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyT Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 I too drove a B with air steering,but mostly on sand and at low speeds,you could feel it kick in,sorta like those old Ford cars with that hydraulic cylinder on the steering linkage! Also drove a single axle B model dump without power steering didn't seem too bad on the road,but I was a lot younger! Style of tire and tire pressure are a factor with ease of steering,also the condition of the steering box. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349879 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 I like my air steering. I put up with armstrong for 13 yrs, this is a nice improvement. Perfect? No, not by a long shot, but better. You have to get used to the random "feel" of it. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349889 Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehummell Posted October 25, 2016 Author Share Posted October 25, 2016 Jhancock, the truck is that b-42 that was for sale here. it has hub pilot wheels 10-20 tube type . I remember doing early kingpins on r an f's you turned the brass bushing in with visegrips they were prefitted. I had 27 trucks to keep on the road. Thank you Underdog for your kind offer, I want to look things over a bit. I would like to thank everyone that has replied. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349896 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I like my air steering. I put up with armstrong for 13 yrs, this is a nice improvement. Perfect? No, not by a long shot, but better. You have to get used to the random "feel" of it. Years ago I drove a W900 tow truck with air assist steering. I put a tr-1 flipper valve on the supply line so I could shut off the assist. Makes it much more drivable on the highway , then flip on the air for low speed manoeuvering and backing. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349922 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I did put a flipper valve on it from stories I've heard. I turned it off but made so little difference I just leave it on. Due to the lash(movement in the valve) in the torque valve it always has a touch of looseness but I don't let it bother me. 1 Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349925 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 If you can catch the episode of Fantomworks on Velocity that shows them doing a Type 75 fire truck you can see how they added power steering to that unit using a pump driven off of the generator. They supposedly purchased a "kit" from someone, but it was basically a cobbled together set of used parts. I drove fire trucks with air assist steering and I always found them to be an adventure since the steering seemed to be about two seconds behind what I expected. Turn the wheel, wait, then the front wheels turn. I'm sure it wasn't that long, but it sure seemed like it. Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-349966 Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehummell Posted October 28, 2016 Author Share Posted October 28, 2016 I found out today why the truck steered so hard, both tires had 20 lbs#. Way better now. I just took off the 5th wheel if anyone wants it come and get it plus a hydro. pump it will save me hauling to scrapyard. Dave Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350224 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddog13407 Posted October 29, 2016 Share Posted October 29, 2016 pics?? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350249 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted October 29, 2016 Share Posted October 29, 2016 I found out today why the truck steered so hard, both tires had 20 lbs#. Way better now. I just took off the 5th wheel if anyone wants it come and get it plus a hydro. pump it will save me hauling to scrapyard. Dave Dave, what type of pump? A pto off the transmission? I may be interested. Gregg Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350261 Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehummell Posted October 30, 2016 Author Share Posted October 30, 2016 Underdog, The pump is the style mounted back off the frame with a drive shaft. This truck had it mounted on the frame behind the cab but no pto. Dave Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350358 Share on other sites More sharing options...
General Ike Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 Drove a Seagrave 100ft rearmount with air assist steering that literally made you feel like you were rolling the dice on every job we responded to with "expediency". A regular alarm bells or other non event alarm you'd be fine, but if you were wheeling it to a job with active updates coming from the dispatcher it seemed like those extra ten MPH made it unpredictable. One day going through the square when you went to turn the wheel it was silky smooth... the next it felt like you were hand docking a barge with two ropes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Ed Smith1957 B85F 1242 "The General Ike" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350441 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 18 hours ago, General Ike said: the next it felt like you were hand docking a barge with two ropes. LOL!!!!! Now that's funny. Yes, it can be a "undetermined" amount of effort to steer depending on the situation. I'll keep mine though. Just my .02. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350512 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyT Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Also the make and tread design of the tires,Dave can make a difference.If you have a friend who will let you borrow a pair of tires that could let you make a comparison! But 20 lbs! Yep,that would do it! Works both ways.I once had to bobtail from Pittsburgh to Buffalo in a springride R model,dropped the drive tires to 50 lbs,made a big difference! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350579 Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehummell Posted November 4, 2016 Author Share Posted November 4, 2016 I took it up the road to my buddy's house an it steered good enough i'm not bothering to go the powersteering route. I have been busy changing fuel lines and I changed the primer pump got a new one from Dunmore injection for 22.00 bucks. Found an air seat at boots and hanks truck junkyard that will fit so I can see more than just the top of the hood. If I can figure out how to put pictures on here I will I only have a digital camera. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350922 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocky Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 Dave Once you have downloaded your camera onto your computer, at the bottom of the reply box click on the "Choose Files" link which will take you to your photo library, highlight the picture, click on "open". After it loads below the reply box click on the + sign in the picture.. Fairly simple, just play with it!! Quote Brocky Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47409-my-new-used-b-mack/#findComment-350928 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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