I have a 1950 1/2 ton Dodge truck with stock front axles and steering. I am using a 50's Plymouth car rearend and larger tires, so it can cruise 55-65 mph on the freeway, but it just doesn't handle well at those speeds. There is some shake at the steering wheel, and it tends to move around the lane and requires constant correcting. It's not a huge problem, but it could be a more pleasant driving experience. I have rebuilt most of the steering components and the steering box is fairly tight.

I installed a steering stabilizer from a 1950 Jeepster. It fit nicely with only minor modifications. It did seem to make a noticable difference in control at cruising speeds, but it's still not as smooth as it might be.
Has anyone managed to make their truck drive nice at hiway speeds? Any tips? Or is the bottom line that the truck just wasn't intended to drive faster than 45 mph.

Hi Rawge, have you checked the drag link, running from the pitman out to the ball joints ? They get slop in the pittman end and cause wander as the bushing flops from one side to the other. Get under and give it a hard shake or have some one rock the steering wheel back and forth. Bet you see play. The other stuff is so simple, king pins ans ball joints, they can be replaced in an afternoon and parts are readily available and relatively cheap. Bad news is the drag link are hard to find, no repair kits and you have to replace the entire piece. I drive my truck at 60-65 mph on the freeway one handed and is quite will behaved. Most people who ride in it are suprised how well it tracks. I also have new radial tires. Based on my experience with my P15 coupe tires can also make a big difference.

I had changed the drag link to another one I had removed from another truck. Although it wasn't new, it is fairly tight. I had replaced the tie-rod ends allready. So, as the last step, Today I started to change the kingpins but had a tough time. Everything came apart easily, but the new bushings were tough to drive in.
Is there a trick to getting these inplace without tearing them up? I expected them to drive in much easier.
Thanks for the help.

then they hone for the new king pins. I think my guy charged me 1 hour shop time. A hydraulic press gets them in and out in a hurry.

Once you get the new king pins installed if every thing is tight and the toe in is close - you should be able to cruise any speed that the engine can stand. I dropped a '56 Desoto 330 ci in a 48 ton and it has been close to 100. The ride starts to smooth above 80.