The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts steering box for 1953 model 6400

Several years ago I started restoration of a 53 model 6400, and completed about 95 percent of the work, and found this site very valuable. I don't know how I would have managed without it. Along the way I lost interest in the truck and haven't done anything with it for a long time. I would now like to get back into it and finish the job. The largest problem remaining is the steering box. It leaks like a sieve, and is very sloppy. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could buy a rebuilt one?

Check with Jim Carter Antique Truck Parts

Have you tried adjusting the steering box?

Jim Carter and/or Chevs of the 40s might have a seal for your size of truck - give them a call.

If it's really sloppy you should also consider buying or finding another used one perhaps in better shape.
If you rebuild one plan to put bearings and bushings in it to eliminate the slop in the shafts which will then help the seals last. But if it's been worn and out of adjustment for a long time it may still have play in the wheel after you've adjusted it best you can, and nothing but a different one in better shape will fix that.

Grigg

Thanks for the quick replies. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those parts that is almost impossible to find. I, along with a friend did most of the work on the truck to this point, but I don't think I want to try rebuilding the box,even if I am able to find the parts. I have spoken to one or two professional mechanics, and they are all reluctant to get into it. I don't know anything about it, but I gather it is not an easy task. Does anyone know of someone who is able and willing to take on this job? Thanks Bakerallen

I have adjusted the box to a point, and it did help some, but I've been told that if I overdo it, then the wheel won't want to return to center on its own. Also it leaks something awful, and I really would like to get rid of that oily mess on the underside of the truck. That takes away from the entire restoration. Thanks again.

I rebuilt the one in my '49 4400 and it was pretty easy. Jim Carter and American Classic both sell the kits and a handy little instruction manual that walks you through it.

Also, *after* you rebuild it, you will be simply astounded at how much better it steers. Be advised, though, you have to put the right lube back in it. Regular gear oil will run right back out of it. So will chain saw bar oil Here on the site, folks have recommended getting John Deere Corn Head grease. I went to my local JD dealer, found some right on the shelf, pumped it in with a grease gun and it seems to be working fine.

To remake my point, though -- as many on this site have personally witnessed -- I am no mechanic and probably should not be allowed to touch tools. But I rebuilt mine and actually found it straight forward and ... even fun!

Get the manual and kit and tear into it. I have a couple of spare boxes here and I give you one if, for some reason, I've steered you wrong. Have at it!

Have fun.

See you on June 26th in Baltimore for the ATHS Balt-Wash Chapter show?

John

I used the corn head grease for my 1955 Oliver Super 55 tractor. Oliver originally put oil in it for lubrication, but it always leaked out. Someone on Yesterdays Tractor site clued me in to the grease. The corn head grease is great in that it does not stiffen up in cold weather, and does not melt out in hot. Now if it only came in chocolate.

Is there a seal in those, the 6500 box doesn't show a seal but something that looks like a woven fabric bushing of sorts, regular oil had leaked all over for years, controled leakage at its best, I used Unoba grease outa the grease gun, so far so good.

I can remember when this type steering box was common. I have seen people put a grease fitting in place of the oil plug and fill them up with grease like you would use on the chassis. It seemed to work, but I also been told that is not a good idea because the grease will hollow out and you end up with no lubrication at that point.

Does anyone know if a steering box from a 48 model 6400 will bolt to a 53 with no problems?

Also is anyone familiar with Texas Steer. I called Jim Carter about repair parts. They could not help, but refered me to Texas Steer, who they said would rebuild the units. I assume Jim Carter would not give a reference to anyone they were not sure about, but there are so many crooks and thieves in the old auto restoration business that I am always reluctant to send my parts to someone I don't know. I've had some bad experiences along that line and I guess I'm gun shy.

They are advertised in his catalogs.There are two different companies they recommend(lares corp and texas steer).

This is for John Milliman: Where did you get your repair kit. I have called Jim Carter several times, and always get the same answer. The person on the phone always says they have the parts for the smaller trucks, but not for the larger ones. I don't understand this. Thanks, Allen Baker

Allen -- ask to talk to Mike Taylor.

Someone with a parts catalog -- please back me up on this, but aren't the AD steering boxes all identical units from 3100 up to 6400??? That's why the rebuild kit I got worked -- it was labled for the little truck, but it worked on the big truck too because they're the same component.

I have a 3600 steering box and column here, sitting next to a steering box from a '51 6400 and they sure look identical to me.

Keep at it!

John

I have thought they are all interchangeable from truck to truck but the large trucks have a slower ratio (more turns lock to lock).
So with exception to the mechanism inside; the gaskets, seals, bushings, bearings, and such should be the same for all AD boxes.
I may be wrong, but this is what I remember about them...

Grigg

I finally did what I should have done in the first place. I got my shop manual out and looked up the steering section. According to it, all the boxes are the same, with the exception of the school bus chassis and the 6400 which are heavier. I'm not sure if the case is the same, with maybe the internal parts being different. I also made a small adjustment to the adjustment screw and that halped a lot. I'm going to give it another small turn and see what happens. It may be that I actually don't need a rebuild.

I still have the problem of the leak. I have a bottle of snapper oil that I have had for years. I don't know why I have it because I've never owned a Snapper Mower. Anyway, this stuff is extremely heavy. It is almost grease, but it will flow very slowly. The bottle says it is "O" Grease, whatever that means. It is in a squeeze bottle and can be squeezed out like ketchup. Would this be ok for the box lube?

I want to thank everyone who answered my questions. I think old car people are generally some of the nicest people you can find. No matter how many times I come to this site, and no matter how dumb my questions may be, someone always tries to help. I'm very grateful. Allen Baker