The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Steering box question

I did a search with no luck. My steering box is leaking on my 2 ton 6100 1955 2nd series truck. The vendor rebuild kit doesn't specify what series truck it will work on. I don't want to order it then have to send it back. I do have a parts book but it is 4000 series & up. Is the 1/2 ton box the same as the 2 ton? Thanks

1/2 ton probably not same as 2 ton. Take it apart and order new seals based on the old ones.

Ed

They are different, see the attached slide set for details.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8258920782/in/album-72157632210242370/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/albums/72157632210242370

Thanks for the responses Ed & Brad. The link that Brad posted will be a big help. You guys saved me from wasting time ordering the wrong kit. Maybe I'll get lucky & it will just be gaskets that need replacing.

og55,

Your box may be leaking because someone installed the wrong gear lube. If it's to thin (90w) it will run out. There may be nothing wrong other than that, if it steers OK. Do a search here on steering box lube...you'll have plenty to read.

Mike B

Thanks Mike, I believe I just painted the steering box & re-installed it. It steers fine , but maybe I did add 90w. That was 3 years ago. I looked in my shop manual & it is very vague about what to use. I'll get the right stuff (I did a search as you suggested ) & give it a try. See ya! Mark

Here's an update on my steering box situation. I did a Stovebolt search for steering box lube & found that Penrite steering box lube LINK is what is being used by some Stovbolters. It is a NLGI 00 grade grease.I found it on Ebay for about $25 with shipping & @ Moss Motors LINK for about the same. After some more searching I found Super S Cotton Picker for $5 @ TSC. It is NLGI 00 grade so I'm trying it out. I used my vacuum pump to remove most of the old lube & put in the Super S . Once the weather is better I'll take the truck out & see how it works. Hopefully with no more leaks. Mark

Thanks for posting that good find, Mark

That is the correct grade of grease for the steering box.

It is better than the commonly recommended TSC Corn Head Grease (NLGI 0 grade).

Agreed. I used Penrite steering box lube three years ago, no leaks. Make sure to seal with RTV the big bottom endfloat adjustment screw and nut (that moves the bearing up towards the steering shaft)and you will have no trouble.
You can get the sector shaft out and remove the seal, without having to pull the steering shaft and all the balls. So you can measure and compare the seal for that.

I've been able to drive the truck now with the new 00 grease & it's still leaking. It appears to be leaking at the worm bearing adjuster lock nut at the bottom. anyoldiron mentioned to seal that nut with RTV . My question is, should I back out the worm adjuster & seal those threads to the housing with RTV & then do the same to the lock nut, or will I be ok just removing the lock nut & sealing the lock nut to the housing & to the adjuster threads without disturbing the adjuster? I hope that makes sense. Thanks

If it were me - I'd just let it leak. I've never seen one that didn't leak. Ever.