I am using the original steering gearbox (overhauled) with a modern steering column. I have everything mocked up but wondering how to keep dirt and debris out of the top of the steering box where the worm gear shaft enters since I am no longer using the mast jacket. I tried a 1980 CJ5 steering boot but couldn't get the rubber cut the appropriate size to fit over the worm shaft (0.75 in) w/o destroying the boot. I was going to put a felt seal over the worm gear shaft and either run a rubber boot over the felt seal and onto the gear box casting that the mast jacket would normally bolt to or put the rubber boot from a 1980's S10 on 1st and run the felt seal over the top side of the rubber boot. Reason I would do the latter is because the rubber boot doesn't fit snug around the worm gear shaft and the fabricated felt seal would seal it. Either way will still along the shaft to turn freely without twisting the boot. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
