STEERING BOX REMOVAL

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
Post Reply
JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Fri Aug 30, 2019 7:35 am

I have read the manual but have a question for you. I have play in my steering and want to tackle the steering box rebuild this winter. Is there plenty of room to remove the steering box on the M38 once the floor panels are removed? Thanks, John


User avatar
dpcd67
G-General
G-General
Posts: 11810
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 3:41 pm
Location: Iowa

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by dpcd67 » Fri Aug 30, 2019 1:05 pm

Yes; remove the bolts and you will see how to remove it.
U. S. Army 28 years.
Armor Branch

JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Sat Aug 31, 2019 4:59 am

Thank you, John

User avatar
dpcd67
G-General
G-General
Posts: 11810
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 3:41 pm
Location: Iowa

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by dpcd67 » Sat Aug 31, 2019 6:08 pm

The brake lines and exhaust pipe might be in the way; I installed one a year ago, but my mind has a lot in it so I forgot. You will quickly see once you remove the bolts. The TM will say as well.
U. S. Army 28 years.
Armor Branch

JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:12 am

Ok, Thanks again, John

Joe Gopan
Jeep Heaven
Posts: 49841
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:37 pm
Location: Proving Ground

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:39 am

The TM spells out the removal with simple instructions, the removeable floor panels make it easy. It's all in the TM including the small items such as wiring, vent lines, etc. Take your time and there will be no issues.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Sun Sep 01, 2019 10:06 am

Thank you, John

User avatar
Buster1
G-Master Sergeant
G-Master Sergeant
Posts: 124
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:45 am
Location: Fort Worth, TX

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by Buster1 » Mon Nov 21, 2022 4:28 am

I’m looking to do the same and remove my steering box. It leaks terribly too.

Which TM are you guys referring to?
USAF Retired

JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:02 am

That would be the TM 9-8012, pages 275 and 276. John

User avatar
Buster1
G-Master Sergeant
G-Master Sergeant
Posts: 124
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:45 am
Location: Fort Worth, TX

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by Buster1 » Mon Nov 21, 2022 6:02 am

Thanks!
USAF Retired

JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Mon Nov 21, 2022 8:28 am

However, that manual does not tell you how to "rebuild" the box. I used another manual for that. I purchased a NOS pittman arm and purchased NOS bushings for that pittman and then had to ream them. That took me the longest since this was the first time rebuilding. Other guys could do in way less time, I was told and read that too much play after reaming will only result in sloppy steering and leaking at the seal which is what you have now. Good luck

Ron D
G-Major
G-Major
Posts: 923
Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:19 am
Location: Dorchester County SC

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by Ron D » Mon Nov 21, 2022 11:23 am

Chapter 2 on page 152 of TM9-1804B covers steering gear rebuild.
There's also a Ross Maintenance Manual.

Download here: http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/index.php

Good luck!
Ron D
1951 M38
1951 M100

Scott in NM
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 429
Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2003 8:04 pm
Location: Tijeras, NM
Contact:

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by Scott in NM » Wed Dec 14, 2022 5:48 am

When I rebuilt mine, steering was tight for a while but then it returned to its normal loose state. I'm thinking that the bronze/brass bushings in the steering box deform too easily so it becomes a never ending issue. If someone with more experience can show me the error of my thinking, I'm all ears as I wish I had less play. I've given up on having permanently tight steering because of this line of reasoning so if in error, let me know.

Scott

User avatar
dpcd67
G-General
G-General
Posts: 11810
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2011 3:41 pm
Location: Iowa

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by dpcd67 » Wed Dec 14, 2022 6:40 am

Yep, you are potentially up for a disaster: if you tighten the adjusting screw too tight, when the worm gear hits the high spot, your box cover will crack. Do not rely on the parts "wearing in" . Do to ask me how I know this will happen.
U. S. Army 28 years.
Armor Branch

JMZ421
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 646
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:21 pm
Location: N.E. Ohio

Re: STEERING BOX REMOVAL

Post by JMZ421 » Sat Dec 17, 2022 10:34 am

I used NOS bushings which have that oil return groove and took my time reaming the bushings so the sector shaft (NOS)was snug but not too tight and if I have any play I think it's in the bellcrank. John


Post Reply

Return to “M38 Technical Knowledge Base”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 40 guests