My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: PaulS on October 18, 2014, 07:02:42 PM

Title: Steering parts
Post by: PaulS on October 18, 2014, 07:02:42 PM

I want to get my axles back on the frame before winter.  But it would be easier to move the frame around if the steering works!

My jeep had Franken-steering in before, and I've pulled it all out with the intention of going back to original.  I already bought the tie rods and ends (forgot clamps, so I can buy those, or use my old ones).

I have the Ross box that the PO pulled out to put power steering in.  Unfortunately, the shaft has been cut off.  I also don't have the bell crank or any associated parts.  The bracket on the frame where the bell crank attaches is still there, though.

The tube appears to be 30-11/16" long.  I hope that's right (the tube doesn't look to be cut).

Here's my parts (to buy) list so far, using Walck's part names:
1. "Steering Wheel Early MB & 1946-1963 CJ Models"
2. "Bearing Steering Column Upper Replacement All Models"
3. "Drag Link Assembly 1948-1971 CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6, M38, M38A1"
4. "Bell Crank 7/8" And 1 1/8" CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6, DJ, FC 150, M38, M38A1"
5. "Worm Shaft 41 1/2" CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6 1949-1966"
6. "Bell crank kit 7/8" Late CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6, DJ, FC 150, FC 170, M38, M38A1 Mid Year 1948-1966"
7. "Worm Bearing Kit All Models Except V6"
 
Anything missing?  What about horn button?  Add in a TightSteer?  A "top of column spring"?

Also, I'm concerned that one or two of those mentioned for being for 3A's from late 49 and on, but mine is from earlier in 49.

Thanks,

-Paul

Title: Re: Steering parts
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on October 18, 2014, 08:48:39 PM

How about the sector shaft, oil seal and bushings? Have you taken the old Ross box apart? Often the sector shafts wear where the two buttons ride in the worm gear groove, and the bushings are typically worn. The seal at the least will need to be replaced.

Do you have the pitman arm?

If you add a horn button, you will need that spring at the top that goes between the bearing and the steering wheel.

Title: Re: Steering parts
Post by: PaulS on October 19, 2014, 04:07:14 PM

I do have the pitman arm.  I took the Ross box apart a few years ago, and I saw nothing significant in it.  Some grooving on the worm gear, but that needs replacing anyway, due to having the end of the shaft cut off.  (I am presuming the PO had trouble removing the steering wheel when they wanted to add power steering.)

I looked at my pictures from then, and I didn't take any of the sector shaft.  I'll check it, and at the least order the bushings and seal.

Thanks,

-Paul

Title: Re: Steering parts
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on October 23, 2014, 09:08:54 PM

Even if the sector shaft buttons are worn a fix is to grind the back end of the buttons and then turn them 90 degrees and weld them back in....all this assumes the shaft surface is OK