steering box rebuild

[etoddo]

I am getting ready to rebuild the steering box in my 72. Someone sent me a nice link on the rebuild and I don't know where it is. I could use some words of wisdom as I am not looking forward to this one. I understand it is a matter of moving shims back and forth. I bought the seal from MAF. Will I need any more parts on hand before I begin? Thanks

 

[lc69hunter]

It's an item I have been putting off also.

 

[splitshot]

Coolerman has a step by step write up on it that is very helpfull. I just did mine, easier than I thought.

 

[Coolerman]

Here is the link:Steering Column Rebuild

 

[Pin_Head]

You may as well replace the sector shaft bushings. They tend to get ovalled out, which allows the shaft to wobble back and forth which keeps the seal from sealing. The bushings are cheap, but they heed to be reamed or honed to size.

 

[Kroll]

Power steering ! I'm putting off my rebuild for that. good luck

 

[etoddo]

thanks Coolerman...it was yours that I had printed in the first place. I'm goin in.............

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

IMHO, don't waste your time (unless you are doing a true restoration.) For a regular FJ40 just swap in a Toyota solid axle "mini-truck" power steering gearbox as a replacement. You will not regret moving to PS, trust me!

Regards,

Alan

 

[65swb45]

Hi All:

IMHO, don't waste your time (unless you are doing a true restoration.) For a regular FJ40 just swap in a Toyota solid axle "mini-truck" power steering gearbox as a replacement. You will not regret moving to PS, trust me!

Regards,

Alan

Not a straightforward swap on the 72 and older rigs Alan.

My .02. Don't waste your time if you think you're gonna end up running big meats on the rig [12.5 width and/or 35"+ height]

With smaller tires, I have had VERY good, long lasting results from a stock rebuild.

Best

Mark A.

 

[BJEC69]

Since I am not as mechanically gifted as most, I just called Markoffroad.net, and Mark sent me a complete rebuilt box for a bolt in job. I was my understanding that many of the shims and gaskets are not available. As always Mark is fair and willing to provide his advice if you have any questions on the install. Just takes the learning curve out of the job. Just my .02. Good luck! Brendon

 

[kyot4x4]

Mark is the Man

 

[72LC]

Where can someone, like myself, get a rebuild kit for the steering box. I would love to have PS but I dont have that kinda extra cash at the moment. My steering box leaks heavily and has since I got the cruiser. I would like to get a kit and do it myself. If anyone knows where to get said kit, let me know. Thanks!

 

[DSRTRDR]

as far as leaking - after you replace the seal, put grease in there instead of 90W, problem solved

 

[72LC]

as far as leaking - after you replace the seal, put grease in there instead of 90W, problem solved

That seemed like a great idea after reading a few threads. Now if someone knows where to get a rebuild kit....

 

[DSRTRDR]

Specter sells rollers, but if they are not damaged, you don't need it - there is no other type of rebuilt kit

I have rebuilt three, except for cleaning and taking shims out, the only thing we needed was the seal - and that is the same as a front axle inner seal and can be had from Napa (or some such store) for like $2.50 (assuming you have the stock front axle)

 

[FF LC FREAK]

That seemed like a great idea after reading a few threads. Now if someone knows where to get a rebuild kit....

Got your PM. Yep, just a sector shaft / front axle seal. Thats all you need. Really, the hardest part was getting the box out. I had the column shifter at the time I did mine. It was a pain to get that unhooked. Then I broke 1 puller trying to remove the pitman arm. Once it was out, it took maybe an hour to disassemble, remove shims, and put it back together. Its really not that tough.

Good luck!

 

[72LC]

Ok so just to be sure: Front inner axle seal is all I nead? No other seals gaskets in there?

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Ok so just to be sure: Front inner axle seal is all I nead? No other seals gaskets in there?

You might want to pick up some gasket maker for the cover you have to remove. Put a small bead on there when you are putting it all back together. But, yeah, basically, just the sector shaft seal /front axle seal is all you need. Tear it apart, remove some shims and put it back together.

 

[65swb45]

I have only seen ONE steering box that didn't need a sector roller bearing replacement. Once the outer part of the roller has gone from convex to concave, I would not consider re-using it. I also recommend replacing the bushing in the side cover, as it is hard to precisely adjust any steering box with a wobbly shaft, and the side cover bushings are usually wallowed out.

And grease in the steering box is for people who are planning to sell their cruiser in short order.

Best

Mark A.

 

[DSRTRDR]

Once the outer part of the roller has gone from convex to concave, I would not consider re-using it. I also recommend replacing the bushing in the side cover, as it is hard to precisely adjust any steering box with a wobbly shaft, and the side cover bushings are usually wallowed out.

neither of the two boxes I opened had those problems

And grease in the steering box is for people who are planning to sell their cruiser in short order..

I have had the grease in there for 5 years and not sold it

as a matter of fact, I got it with grease from the PO