Verdict on Crown Sector shaft?

[Marla.the.V35]

Hi there,
Long time lurker....I'm probably looking at a full steering system rebuild, and I'm curious about using the Crown brand sector shaft replacement kit. I understand the Omix shafts had some problems with shearing off? This has sparked unease in me for anything other than NOS parts, but in some searching, I've found those hard to find, and can't afford the time to get it driveable (I'll continue looking, but I need it pretty solid now-ish).

So, to cut to the chase...

• have you installed a Crown Sector shaft replacement?
  
• How long ago?
  
• Any issues since the install?
  

Thanks for your replies!
(I searched "Crown Sector Shaft" but received no results. Sorry if this has been covered, you can kindly point me there!)

[Rus Curtis]

JON,
That sector shaft problem got a lot of jeep owner's attention.  There was a long thread on this over on the CJ2A forum (a guy had the bad one and it sheared while up in the mountains on a FCT drive).  It was copied over here for wider dissemination.

https://cj3apage.com/Forum/index.php?topic=2116.msg17975#msg17975

I had bought one from Walck's well before this topic got so much attention.  I checked my sector shaft and it had the "WAT" stamp on it.  Check with Walck's and ask some questions.  It will put your mind at ease.

https://walcks4wd.com/sector-shaft-repair-kit-78-shaft-mb-gpw-cj-2wd-station-wagon-2wd-sedan-delivery-jeepster-1941-1966_p_1110.html

To your questions, unless you inspect the one you have, you won't really know if its okay.  Those that had the defective welded unit, didn't have any problems until they did - or it sheared with no warning.  I don't believe there will be symptoms that alert you to a pending problem.

Here's a recall I copied off the 2A thread:

https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/uploads/2300/Steering_Sector_Shaft_Recall.pdf

[Marla.the.V35]

Looks like this recall is a few years old now. So, assuming I don't have one in my box (due to PO) it should be pretty hard to end up with one? I think what I want to have is, peace of mind that a replacement part meets or exceed the quality the original. Do the Walcks and Crown units do that?

Between the two, I love me some Walcks. Already ordered a ton of parts from him. So if it comes down to it, I'll call him and more than likely order there.

Thanks for the reply and the links. The photos are extremely helpful to know what to look for. I wasn't aware until now what separated (pardon the pun) the bad from the good.

[Marla.the.V35]

Glad I got in the box. There was a grease zerk on top and lo and behold, there was grease inside (surprise). The worm gear is missing chunks and the sector shaft pins are worn out. I've removed the box and broken everything down to the basics. I'm starting the cleaning process this weekend and waiting on some parts. Managed to source some NOS stuff, so I'm happy about that. When I go to re-assemble, I'm grabbing some lube from Metalshaper.

Only thing I can't seem to locate is the size and tpi/pitch of the fill plug atop the box. Anyone have this info? That zerk has got to go.

[Rus Curtis]

...When I go to re-assemble, I'm grabbing some lube from Metalshaper.

Only thing I can't seem to locate is the size and tpi/pitch of the fill plug atop the box. Anyone have this info? That zerk has got to go.

Good on ya, JON!  Glad you opened it up to evaluate. 

Keep in mind the shaft has two bushings that need to be lubricated (there should be a seal on the outside where the steering arm attaches) so anything you use thicker than gear oil may not be able to penetrate effectively.

The filler plug should be 1/8" NPT (I think).

Here's an image of Lawrence Wade's '55 showing the front end of the steering gear housing (with the filler plug at the very top of the image):

[Marla.the.V35]

Thanks for the info! I'll look to source one now.

On reassembly (after I buy a hand reamer lol) Grease will never get near this box. I'm going to grab some lube from Metalshaper. Been watching his vids and looking around, want something that will last a "lifetime"
https://youtu.be/4tSSnxgeSh0?t=764

[Chuck W.]

FWIT: I decided to use Eckler's Champion "00" manual steering box lube in my 1964 CJ3B. Granted, my box was not rebuilt, but I did pull the cover and clean the old "tar" out of it. So far, it has worked great. 1/8" NPT is correct on the fill plug.