Classic/Antique Car Repair: FRONT END, Checking for steering looseness

Question
JUST AQUIRED A 1930 MODEL A THAT RUNS PRETTY GOOD. IT DOES ROAD WALK HOWEVER AND HAVING NEVER DRIVEN AN A I AN NOT SURE HOW MUCH IS NORMAL AND HOW MUCH IS WEAR. WHERE SHOULD I START IN REPAIRING A LOOSE FRONT END PROBLEM? THANKS

Answer
There are 3 main places to check:  First, check the steering gearbox for play by having someone wiggle the steering wheel while you hold the pittman arm.  See how far the steering wheel can move before you feel any motion in the pittman arm.  If there is more than about 2 inches of play in the steering wheel, adjust the screw with the locking nut on top of the steering box, 1/8 turn at a time to the right, to minimize the play, but keep checking to make sure it isn't set so tight that you feel binding in the steering at the straight ahead position. If you can't make a good adjustment here, the box is worn out.

Next, jack up the front end and grasp each wheel top and bottom and try to wiggle it - top out, bottom in and the opposite, while someone watches the king pins for play - this is a common wear point in any car with the old King Pin steering setup.  The cure for play here is new king pins, with the suspension parts reamed to fit the new pins.

Next, check the tie rod ends for play, by turning each front wheel left, right, left right etc., while someone feels the joint between the tie rod and the steering arms, and between the bottom end of the pittman arm and the tie rod.  Any play in any of these things must be eliminated.

Finally, make sure your tires are the right ones for the car, and that it has the correct wheels on it too.

Dick