What is the purpose of this part circled? (1 Viewer)

[1978FJ40project]

Anyone know what this is and it’s purpose? Wide open hole into ( maybe the steering adjustment chamber )???

 

[Curt]

Fill/ breather

There should be a little metal cap on there that allows air to escape but keep crud out, much lake a diff breather.

 

[Curt]

 

[1978FJ40project]

Thanks Curt ! I bet it’s not good that it’s missing that piece - any clue where I can order that part from ?

 

[Curt]

Probably not to good allowing dirt debris and moisture in there. You can use 90 weight gear oil in there, whatever you use for the diffs. Not sure where to get that part but im sure others will chime in here soon. It is very similar to one used on a diff.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

Fit a plastic cap over it in the meantime... Good boxes are not cheap or easy to build compared to a little protection.

 

[1978FJ40project]

I think this is the part I need to buy ?!?!

 

[Curt]

Looks like the right part

 

[1978FJ40project]

Ordered the parts and went and bought some 90 weight gear oil. I wonder how much it effects the steering currently without the correct breather plug ... guessing g it causes a little bit of the steering issues ? Also , I wonder when or how I know if it needs ?

 

[fjc-man]

Your steering coupler looks all twisted, something is not right.

 

[wimberosa]

Your steering coupler looks all twisted, something is not right.

Right. Look at Curt's pic above. Thats the thinner rubber bushing I'm familiar with.

 

[1978FJ40project]

Maybe? It was a kit from Spector Offroad the mechanic put on

 

[Curt]

I doubt the breather would have any effect on drive ability. Any issues you may be having would be in the steering box itself, rag joint or ball joints in the front end. do you currently have steering issues?

 

[1978FJ40project]

The steering is loose and I’m sure needs an alignment .... it tends to drift the faster I go

 

[Subterranean Nik]

Agreed on rag joint, something is wrong so that needs sorting. I can take a pic of mine, it looks installed upside down in above pic somehow.

As to breather, no impact to drivability. More around contamination getting into your steering box. If you don’t want to buy a new one consider swapping with trans or diffs (and put a breather hose on them), etc...

For oil fill in steering box, can’t remember what FSM says but will fill close to level where breather is.

As to loose steering, several wear points along the way. Unless something obvious (like rag joint) best way is methodically work through system. Tie rod ends, drag link, center arm, etc...

Nik

 

[1978FJ40project]

Thanks Nik - a picture of your rag joint would be great

 

[Subterranean Nik]

 

[brian]

Ordered the parts and went and bought some 90 weight gear oil. I wonder how much it effects the steering currently without the correct breather plug ... guessing g it causes a little bit of the steering issues ? Also , I wonder when or how I know if it needs ?

nope that cap has absolutely no effect on how the box works or how the steering performs or feels.