Steering box rebuild instructions?

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NikP

NikP

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Threads
171
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Location
Durango, CO
i bought the Gates rebuild kit for my 60 steering box since it was leaking at the input seal. I couldn't get the pitman arm off with the cheap puller from Autozone, so I thought I'd just pull the input shaft out and put the new seal on and skip all the other stuff. Nice thought but terrible result.

Now the box doesn't even work. I have 42 loose ball bearings and I have to figure out how to rebuild it ( assuming I can get the pitman arm off). How many bearings should there be so I watch for more as I take it apart?

I've search but can't find a reference for what to do with all the ball bearings to get this thing back together.

Please someone point me to a thread with instructions? Thank you.

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Don't see 60 series FSM. What am I missing? Nothing in the others related to steering gear.
 
NP. I'm actually getting ready to do this to my box as well.

Also, if the septor shaft is already out then great but please be careful not to scare the housing's inner walls when you're taking it out. It's pretty easy to do.
 
All else fails, you can send it to west Texas off road or Redhead Gear in Seattle....and they can rebuild it. My plan is to have redhead do a complete rebuild with OEM seals and new balls....probably doesn't need the new balls but I am anal.
 
Really wasn't too bad once I figured out how it all worked. If you order the Gates rebuild kit for $29 you have to deal with all the ball bearings anyway.

I also had to improvise on special service tools (SST) for the Teflon ring expander and compressor. Zip ties around a plastic water bottle and a socket.

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NikP said:
Really wasn't too bad once I figured out how it all worked. If you order the Gates rebuild kit for $29 you have to deal with all the ball bearings anyway.

I also had to improvise on special service tools (SST) for the Teflon ring expander and compressor. Zip ties around a plastic water bottle and a socket.

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I'm looking to rebuild mine. Where can I get the Gates kit? I've looked online but can't find it. Thanks
 
Swampcruiser45 said:
I'm looking to rebuild mine. Where can I get the Gates kit? I've looked online but can't find it. Thanks
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Rockauto has it. Pretty sure when I did mine back in May ‘16 that’s where I got it. Watch the YouTube video by bleepin jeep, it’s the best one out there, lighting, speed, almost the exact as ours, lots of great tips in it.
The two control rings for the worm gear are too big tho so get them from your dealer. Then read the thread that @CenTXFJ60 wrote regarding tips we discovered for putting everything together for the vertical shaft (I think that’s the output).

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@Swampcruiser45 yeah gates kit from Rockauto.

Biggest thing you will need is patience.

Getting the ball bearings back inside is tedious.

It's also a bit trying when you attempt to get the sector shaft back inside the body, since there is a sharp lip and a Teflon seal that gets pushed into the lip.

Take your time.
 
Some of the orings and Teflon seals are a little tough. But they fit fairly well. I can't compare to OEM.

There were three hard parts for me.

1. Taking it all apart without SST

2. Getting the ball bearings in

3. Getting the shaft in without tearing the Teflon seal

I obviously did not have any of the SST so I kind of winged it on some of the torque settings. I do have a torque wrench though.

Good Luck!
 
Landpimp said:
All else fails, you can send it to west Texas off road or Redhead Gear in Seattle....and they can rebuild it. My plan is to have redhead do a complete rebuild with OEM seals and new balls....probably doesn't need the new balls but I am anal.
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Have you gotten a quote from Redhead about a rebuild yet? I'm up in Everett and also need mine rebuilt eventually.
 
@Swampcruiser45 seriousky watch the video before anything. Guy gives a great tip on the bearings w/ grease and a zip tie. Worked perfect for me.
 
ModisetteJ said:
Have you gotten a quote from Redhead about a rebuild yet? I'm up in Everett and also need mine rebuilt eventually.
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I’d called them back in ‘16 swear it was in the $300 range and that’s not including shipping.
 
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