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.
Took another picture of the other way I might seal the top of the steering boot with the felt under boot with the boot pulled down over the top of the felt seal and onto the cast housing. I think it might keep the grease from exiting the top of the steering boot better but the boot is not snug at the top allowing dirt to sit inside the boot. I am ordering some 5/16 compressed felt and possibly do both options with one under the boot and one on top. That way the shaft can still spin freely and still keep dirt out. Any thoughts?
Why not machine an aluminum holder for a regular lip seal- - - -one that's a snug slip fit over the housing? Attach it to the housing with green LocTite or maybe some setscrews. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Do a search for a DUST BOOT, or TIE ROD BOOT, it needs to fit the imput shaft, it can be loose over the top of the gear box. Felt may wick water and do more harm then good. Lots of big trucks have large tie rods with boots that should fit a 3/4" shaft.
