The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '40 Steering Box output shaft wobbles

And it wobbles a LOT! Can't be good, anybody rebuilt one of these? It doesn't feel anything nearly as good as the ones in my '49-'52 trucks. Different desigh?

Thanks for any pointers.

Ken

I've rebuilt a few of those,nothing to it, but it's primitave stuff, put in a 41-47 recurulating ball gear box, it's a bolt in, way better design,you'll love it.
You ain't gonna believe this, I had several of those gearboxes here in excellent shape,no one wanted them,even for free,off to the scrap yard.

Ken, I had the same problem with my 39. The replacement bushings and the associated wear just didn't work. I took my steering box and the sector shaft to a local machine shop. I had a bushing that is one piece pressed in the box and the sector shaft fitted to it. I was able to aquire a new secto shaft, but the old one could be dressed for a smooth fit. With the full bushing there is no wobble and the oil seal fits well. I hope that will help. Also, the cost was under $50.

Jim

I just rebuilt my '37 gear box for the same reason. I found in the 29-49 parts manual a bushing listed for these boxes that helped with chattering or sticking. If you pull it apart it should have a 2" long steel spacer behind the sector shaft seal. It does nothing, I really don't know why its in there. The replacement bushing goes in place of this steel spacer to help support the sector out on the end. I replaced the other two bushings and added the third one. The small bushing in the cap is a odd size no longer made. I had to buy a oversized one and have it turned down to fit. The others are standard sized. I used a hand heald die grinder with paper sanding roll to custom fit the long bushing. I was really an easy job. Mine is just now starting to free up a little. It was pretty tight when I started, but I figured that was better than being loose.

I bought the bushings and seals from my local bearing supplier for less than $10.

Seal #11055 Chicago Rawhide (NAPA)
2" bushing #CB-1820-16
1 3/4" bushing #CB-1820-12

Joe