1967 FJ40 steering box (non power): Have it sent out to rebuild, do it myself, get a remamned one?

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D

docmel

Joined
Apr 27, 2021
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Helo: I have rebuilt the entire front suspension/steering components on my 1967 FJ40, except for the steering box. I have allot of play in the steering, and IAW the FSM, to adjust steering wheel play, shims must be added or taken out. Its not just a simple loosen a lock nut, turn the screw, etc...... I have 2-3 inches of play in the steering wheel: FSM states it should be approx 1"

To me, once I get the box out, I'd like to have all the internal components checked for wear: Basically a complete rebuild.....Its the orignal box, and I am pretty sure its never been serviced or worked on. I am mech inclined, and can probably do the work myself, but if any internal parts need replacing, I'd like someone that does it for a living do the job

I'd like to send it out to reputable rebuilder. Its a 1967, FJ40, non power steering box, left hand steering

Can anyone recommend a rebuilder, or has someone done the work themselves and can chime in?

Another option for me is to order a remanned one, but a search only shows mostly for 70 models on up
 
You may wish to call Mark of Mark's Offroad (@65swb45). I think one of the problems with these early boxes is that they are one-piece including the long steering column and thus shipping can be an issue.
 
Thanks for the mention @Green Bean. 😊 I have a rebuilt’67 box on the shelf, and I can probably rebuild yours as well. I am rebuilding a ‘71 at the moment for someone in the Bay Area who was nice enough to clean the gunk off the box before he sent it to me. He will definitely be saving some money on the rebuild.😉

AFAIK, I’m the only one left with sector rollers to properly service the early boxes.
 
65swb45 said:
Thanks for the mention @Green Bean. 😊 I have a rebuilt’67 box on the shelf, and I can probably rebuild yours as well. I am rebuilding a ‘71 at the moment for someone in the Bay Area who was nice enough to clean the gunk off the box before he sent it to me. He will definitely be saving some money on the rebuild.😉

AFAIK, I’m the only one left with sector rollers to properly service the early boxes.
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Id like to talk about the '67 rebuilt box you have Ill leave a email on your website: Hope to hear from you
 
Just tried calling MOR: Line rang, but no VM option....

I understand he doesnt want to use his IH8MUD profile for biz questions, call instead

If MOR gets this, sure do need that steering box: As it is, my LC is really unsafe to drive with all the play

Since there is no website email, and I cant leave a VM, not usre how I can get in touch, but Ill try calling again in a couple of days
 
Mark does business over the phone. I think the last I saw, he was away for a while. I've seen him comment on some other posts and I believe he usually puts in his signature line when he'll be back but that might be another vendor.

For what it's worth, I rebuilt my manual steering box and it was fairly easy. I'm sure Mark does a much better job than I did as he has access to some other parts if needed, but I'm happy with mine turned out. If it ever gets too worn out again, I'll need to replace it with power steering because I removed all of my shims to reduce the play in the steering wheel.
 
The rebuild does look easy: I'm mech inclined, and there are plenty of vids on the early boxes.

But the key here are parts: As Mark stated, the sector balls are hard to find, and are typically the items that most people dont change out, most likley due to rarity of these balls online. If these balls are out of spec, that will leave slop if needed and not changed out.

There is a video online of a rebuilder that did his, and it showed allot of play in the setcor balls. He did everything needed, new adjustment shims, etc, but still had allot of slop in the end due to sector balls being worn, (or the "races" they were seated in) You could see the slop at the sector bearings as the rebuilder turned it. This resulted in slop still present, although not as severe. I contribute that due to worn sector balls left in the mix

I expect I can get these balls from a bearing supply store or the like if needed, no big deal

Adjustment spacers are available online

But I do prefer it be done right by someone who has done this, both in parts and labor

I've dealt with this play (like 2-3+ inches) for 10 years now, and its at the point where I wont drive it any longer as is. I have rebuilt all steering components with exception of the box. Its time to get it done....
 
docmel said:
The rebuild does look easy: I'm mech inclined, and there are plenty of vids on the early boxes.

But the key here are parts: As Mark stated, the sector balls are hard to find, and are typically the items that most people dont change out, most likley due to rarity of these balls online. If these balls are out of spec, that will leave slop if needed and not changed out.

There is a video online of a rebuilder that did his, and it showed allot of play in the setcor balls. He did everything needed, new adjustment shims, etc, but still had allot of slop in the end due to sector balls being worn, (or the "races" they were seated in) You could see the slop at the sector bearings as the rebuilder turned it. This resulted in slop still present, although not as severe. I contribute that due to worn sector balls left in the mix

I expect I can get these balls from a bearing supply store or the like if needed, no big deal

Adjustment spacers are available online

But I do prefer it be done right by someone who has done this, both in parts and labor

I've dealt with this play (like 2-3+ inches) for 10 years now, and its at the point where I wont drive it any longer as is. I have rebuilt all steering components with exception of the box. Its time to get it done....
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2-3 inches of steering wheel play is what I have now after rebuilding the steering box! Mark is one of, if not the only, guys that can completely rebuild it to my knowledge and I know people have been really pleased with the work he does, whether it's a steering box, carburetor, whatever. I got a dual seal speedo housing from him that I'm about to install. I also have a call out to him about my carburetor. I don't think you can go wrong with Mark, but just know he's busy and only does business over the phone. Good luck with the steering box!
 
Not sure how we say its good with with 2-3" of play left after the rebuild. FSM states 1.5" - 2" If you still have play over that, you might have an issue elsewhere

I am not sure any steering play of 2-3"+ inches is within spec in most vehicles: So I have to ask, how much play did you have BEFORE the box rebuild?

I'm not dinging anyone here, just looking for an explanantion

Most likely Ill do it myself. If a biz is busy, they are busy. But for me, if I cant email and can only call and hope someone answers, and no vm, its prob not going to work for me: The website also contains refs that he busy, prices have changed, etc......

For me, its time to do my own work on this issue: It isnt magic, isnt hard, Ill bet money the ball bearings are available at bearing supplies, etc. And I am sure shipping $$$ would be huge to ship a box to begin with.

But thanks for the input folks.
 
I'm not sure we're saying it's good, but for me it is much better than before. I can't remember exactly how much play I had, but it was significant. I ended up replacing all the TRE's, rebuilding the center arm, and then the steering box. There are very few parts to these steering boxes. From my research, the way to reduce the play in the steering wheel was to remove shims. I think I had 3 total and I ended up removing all of them. If there's another way to reduce free play in the steering wheel, then I'm all ears, but from where I stand, there's not much else I can do with this box. I'd love it if everyone could crack open a steering box and get it right back to FSM spec, but the reality is they are old and worn out. Eventually, you'll have to deal with that, find another rebuilt or rebuildable box, or go power steering.
 
Thanks for the reply: I agree, very simple box. I am thinking the same thing: If I remove some of the current spacers it might do the trick. Thats what the FSM states anyways; Add spaccers to loosen, remove to tighten. If I remove the front right fender it will be breeze to remove the box. I have V8 swap and its very tight in that area to work
 
I expect to be back in the shop tomorrow afternoon . Just finished hiking out of a river bottom canyon north of Arrowhead. Heading home 😊
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