I finished the re-build of the steering box this past weekend. It was a total wreck. I had to put immense pressure on the steering wheel to get the wheels to turn. I removed the steering box and old sectors and shaft/nut assembly. Then removed the worthless nylon bearings.
The sectors were very rusted and pitted. They would not slide across each other.
I sand blasted the empty box, cleaned it with diesel fuel and blew it out good. Then installed the new welsh plug and bearing cup. I drove the bearing cup down tight with a large socket. I installed the upper bearing cup into the base of the shaft tube using the same socket.
I then filed the mating surface down flat to seal against the new shims.
I then installed the new bearing retainer on the shaft end. I had to clip the brass flange with wire cutters, drive it in, and set it with a nail set. I turned the tube over, set the shims, slipped it over the shaft, and bolted it down. Position the worm gear half way on the shaft in order to mesh it with the large center gear tooth on the left sector. The small teeth mesh with the right sector teeth. I keep a xerox of my FO manual on my work bench along with an exploded view of the steering box.
I then installed the new "o" rings on the sectors and drove them in with a rubber hammer. I did not replace the pitman shaft bushings, they felt very snug.
Next, I installed the new sector seals using a large socket.
I then installed the new felt seals, bolted on the pitman arms, and adjusted the set screws and lock nuts.
The unit will sit indoors until I have time to shoot the paint.
Posting not permitted in the forum archives.<1283872932">