OT Big Truck problem

Two weeks ago I figured I would try to fix the steering problem on my Dodge C600 that was leaking, This is ware things went wrong. The truck has power assist not power steering and it came that way new. Most trucks in the 50s and 60s didn't have power steering unless you ordered it that way so you just had manual steering, What a joy that is.

Anyway hears the problem, When I took it apart I found it must have gotten water in it and broke the back cast washer letting the seal leak. I took the valve body to a place to get it fixed. The plunger was stuck (rust inside) so the guy at the counter takes a small brass bar and a small ball pen hammer and lightly started tapping on it, OH! That's not good! He broke the cast nipple on the end of the plunger (see picture). Now he wants $250 to fix the plunger plus the 2 seals if he can get them. I picked it up and left with it in pieces. Aint going to happen with them. This started a 2 week search for parts or a whole valve with ends I need. Found one place that said they could send it off to a guy but it might take a month to fix, I need the truck before then. I did find another whole valve and ends that might work but it is 3/4" longer and the gearbox arm is 3/4" longer than the one on the truck. I don't know if the extra 3/4" on the arms can be made to work or not, Guess I can try and see how it works?

The valve body is a Bendix and has Bendix seals that are # EP7 619646 and # EP9 610647 made on the seals. The 2 cast washers on the ends are the same outside diameter but the centers are different like the seals are. The valve casting has a number cast in it and is #126104. Dose anyone have one of theses or know ware to find parts for this?

This steering system was used on Fords, Chevys, Dodge and IH trucks and I have seen several of them on truck before, But now you cant find one to save you life! HELP! Bandit

If that used assembly will fit I would live with it for now, unless your luck is different than mine. Finding just what you need looks like a winter job to me!
Several years ago I was looking for a seal kit for the power steering on my 1990 IH 8100. Already out of production!

Find a good machinist he can make what you need.

Have you tried McMaster Carr, Motion Industries, others...?

If you are anywhere close to Gibson City, Il. there is a hydraulic repair shop. I think the name is Davis machine shop or maby Davis hydraulics. Not sure about the name but they do good work. Let us know the outcome regardless of your location.

Armand

Call Dale's Truck parts Cedarville, Ohio. HE may have what you need.

The biggest problem I am having is 99% of places I call or go into don't even have a clue what I'm talking about, You know "If its not in the computer it was never made cause the computer knows everything". Hear in SW Ohio most of the places that carried parts or worked on big trucks closed up or only work on 15 year old or newer trucks. Even finding a junk yard that has any old trucks is almost imposable to find.

Wants parts for a 1946 JD A, No Problem! Want parts for a 68 Dodge C600, Good Luck! Worst part about this is I bought a valve just like the one on the truck 15 years ago and put it on the shelf and now I cant find it ANYWARE! I will find in 6 months once I have this one fixed. Bandit

The steering on my 71 600 Dodge had the acuator and cylinder on the tie rod to give power assist steering. Coming from town empty at 60 mph crossed the rough bridge and the steering locked hard right. Tried to turn the wheel back, couldn't move it. Slammed on the brakes as it left the hiway. Hit an approach, airborn into the fence row and thru the fence coming to rest in the neighbors field. I wound up under the heater on the passenger side with the engine runnin wide open. Shut it off and got back to the drivers seat and went to push the clutch to restart. Couldn't, front wheels doubled back and pushed the floorboard up. Truck was totaled. Got lucky once again, not a scratch. Don't like those style steering systems even though a lot of trucks had them.

Thanks I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they say. Bandit

Last fall bring a full load of fire wood home at the first strait stretch of road when it hit 35 mph the front end started shaking real bad. 35 mph and under no problem over that hang on to your teeth your going for a ride. I should have been working on this before now but you know how it is. Bandit

Try some junkyards in central West Virginia. I know where several of those trucks are sitting over there.

My cousin said if I cant find anything that he would fix it if he can. He's working out of his garage for now till he gets into his new shop. He makes a lot of plastic and carbon fiber parts. Bandit

Bandit:

I know it's FAR away but you might give this outfit a try. I know years ago they had A LOT of old cars, trucks & other machinery in their yard (large yard).

Doc

Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking
11590 Tuxford Street
Sun Valley (Los Angeles)
Calif. 91352

Phone: 818-504-1091

Web: aadlenbros.com

Bandit Here is another yard that I use for old truck parts. They specialize in Ford but Ford used this system on some trucks too.

Mt. Horeb Truck Parts MT. Horeb, WI.

800-272-4985

Can you swap in real power steering???

Check with these folks. They will probably have what you need http://www.ericksontrucksnparts.com/

Merle

I could if I could find a truck with true power steering, Problem is this one has the steering box mounted in the frame channel and the steering arm goes through the frame. I have 2 parts trucks that both have true power steering boxes on them and they will not fit this truck. That's the difference between a low cab forward and a high cab forward, The HCF trucks have a steering box that mounts to the top of the frame and the power steering cylinder bolts to the frame and pushes the steering arm on the steering box. Its really hard to find one of these trucks on the road let alone one in a bone yard to get parts from. Bandit

Holy Cow that looks like me! I even convinced the kids that it was! Wifey did a double take and got a good laugh.

Aaron

I used to live in Wilmington about 15 min north of you. Used to be a salvage yard just out of town. See it's not listed anymore. Used to be a lot of complaints from neighbors. Bought a good Jeep engine from them for $20.00. Put it in a boat and used it for years. I guess that was the "good old days"

Bandit

What was the problem causing the wheels to shake? Have an old c60 chevy that has a similar problem and no one around my neck of the woods will work on old trucks.