Willys M38-A1 and CJ5 Steering Box Rebuild, 15/16" sector shaft

[@robertmason4793]

Wonderful video. You should be on TV. A true craftsman. I admire the fact that you due EVERY aspect of the restoration. I can watch your vids.for hours.

[@jackcollins2344]

I couldn't agree any more with your comment. Brian is a master of this craft.

[@quartz1881]

Well said couldn’t agree more

[@frankinpattaya]

Good job Brian, moons ago on my old MB I rebuilt the steering box with some wonderful copy “Indian genuine parts”, as you say just a pile of crap, the sector shaft pins where not even hardened. Listen to the Man everyone.

[@metalshaperJeep]

Lots of junk out there, be careful, especially with your steering box.

[@m38_depotharold12]

Outstanding!!! I'm glad you pointed out what to look for as you set up the sector box. I could see the shaft come to a stop as you moved across the center. Since I am getting ready to build a M38A1 box, this video was very timely for me!! Thanks!!

[@metalshaperJeep]

there should be a slight drag when moving thru center, that is why i put a steering wheel on when adjusting. Gives you the actual feel of the steering box. when you have a bit of drag thru center the turns take care of themselves and the wheel will always want to return to center easily when coming out of a turn.

[@luzvazquez1769]

Best video I'd seen by far; it was exactly the type of instructions that I was looking for. Thanks for such a great video!

[@metalshaperJeep]

Awesome, thank you!

[@chrismurray1055]

@@metalshaperJeep Wish you had a lead in video detailing disassembly. Have run into difficulty removing the steering shaft. Bottom cup appears to be stuck in housing.

[@geoben427]

Hi Brian, another great video. Thanks for taking the time to compare the new parts with the original. I'm hoping my steering box won't need too much when I get to the rebuild on it. Looking forward to the next video.

[@dannybishop872]

i guess I am kinda randomly asking but does anyone know a good place to watch new movies online?

[@kaydenmaximiliano7245]

@Danny Bishop flixportal :)

[@dannybishop872]

@Kayden Maximiliano thanks, I went there and it seems to work =) I appreciate it !

[@kaydenmaximiliano7245]

@Danny Bishop you are welcome xD

[@stevehurst2590]

I should have mentioned that I have a 1948 Willys pickup and am rebuilding it now. I have found great help on your site except the before mention Timken rear end. Thank you for all the videos you have posted, you have incredible skill.

[@timehlert1199]

Very nice work as always Brian. Great info and excellent video work as well. Really appreciate all you do to share your time and knowledge.

[@MikeyGG34]

Thanks Brian, this is a great video. I just wish I would have listen to you about keeping old parts. I misplaced one of my bearing cups, on a 15/16 steering shaft. You wouldn't know by chance where I could get some bearings and cups, would you. I got the loose bearing new ones, and I rather not use them? Thanks again for the info, just wish I would have listen to you, before I took it apart. Otherwise lessons learned. Thanks, Mike G.

[@LetsBuildaWillysJeep]

Great explanation! Will definitely follow some of these tips!

[@kentanders2970]

Thanks you answered all my questions in this video

[@kelleyerb3238]

Thanks Brian. These are so helpful to someone who’s new to this and doesn’t want to screw it up. I wonder if you can use the CJ5/m38 bearing cups on a 3B as an upgrade.

[@tedcarl5382]

Like seeing the old Ross getting a new lease!

[@TradIrishHarper]

Excellent work. I am in the process of doing the same thing. Frustrating when replacement parts are not to snuff. Parts and shipping are not cheap and when they are not worth using is gets frustrating. Question: In the M38A1 the column collar has a seal on it. I am saving the old one and reusing it but do they make those seals? Also how do you get the horn tube out? The part that the horn switch screws into. Mine is in great shape but I need to clean all the old gunk out and reseal it. Tried a rag and channel locks. No dice. Started to slightly mar the aluminum part so I stopped.

[@arlingtonguy54]

Michael Donnel I’m rebuilding mine now too, but the horn tube was missing so I’m trying to figure out how to install the one I bought.

[@mikehill1613]

Hi Brian, I started to rebuild my 47’ cj-2a steering gear box. The first thing I noticed was the cover was cracked. When I removed it, it was in two pieces. Do you happen to have one lying around you’d be willing to sell? Do you recommend a reputable source for a rebuild kit?

[@tuglevy6490]

Hello! Got the steering gear and knuckle lube; thanks! Are the pair of snap rings on either end of the worm gear bearings necessary? They were not mentioned as you were fitting the gear into place… thanks!

[@cabotbroughton7458]

Tug Levy, they are needed if you are using loose ball bearings to keep the races in place, when you use the plastic bearing cages they are not needed as these keep the balls from dropping out

[@brianrowland7113]

All vids on this are on frame off restos. How would you get this out and back in a fully assembled 69 cj5 with the 225 V6? Amazing vids. Thanks.

[@broncowilly1350]

Brian, can you please tell me where you are getting the steering shaft/worm for an M38A1. All I'm seeing is NOS for $400.00 plus. Thank you and thank you for the wonderful videos!

[@franciscodelgado7165]

Great videos , it is posible to replace sector shaft pins ??

[@stevehurst2590]

Do you have any videos on rebuilding a Timken rear end?

[@1Rowdy1derful]

So if you adjust it to gentle snug in the middle and the ends get so tight it will lock. Means the worm is wore out correct?

[@metalshaperJeep]

When the box is adjusted snug in straight ahead position, the tube and worm are designed to get looser toward each full turn position. That design helps the wheel come back to center when coming out of a turn. If you are getting locked up at each full turn then something is wrong in there and should be investigated.

[@jackstrawfromwichita3917]

This is a great video! It helped me lots How can I purchase the steering gear box lube?

[@metalshaperJeep]

contact me directly at [e-mail] and I can send you a list of lubricants I offer. Brian

[@WhiskeySix03]

Hey Brian. I am rebuilding a 1955 CJ-5. Engine, trans, transfer case, steering knuckles, brakes, etc, etc. Please tell me how to buy lube from you. Knuckles, tranny, transfer case and steering box. Thank you. And thanks for the great videos. They’ve really made my task much easier.

[@metalshaperJeep]

contact me directly at [e-mail] and I will send you a list of lubricants I offer. Brian

[@johnl117]

Do you have any rebuilt ross gears from a m38a1 ? I can't get my rebuilt gear adjusted properly. All over the road . I think I'm not finding proper center. It's on a 67 cj5 v6

[@irwingcalderon7596]

Whath kind of lube use willing Jeep steering box?

[@brianhof7599]

I also was wondering why you did not mention the top rubber seal that goes on the steering shaft? Is this part available somewhere? I had to reuse my old one, which I am not sure I trust to keep water out of my box.

[@davef.566]

I think you are the master of all things jeep is there anything you can not do on jeeps and farm equipment

[@metalshaperJeep]

Thanks for watching, appreciate it.

[@sandracarolinacalderonguti5515]

Hey Brian, I'm interested in the 9:20 minute part of this video, when you work on the horn wire tube. My box is leaking oit though that cap where the tube goes into, and it moves a bit when i push on it. You mention using megaplex on the outside And putting in a "B". What's your advice on this leak.

[@sandracarolinacalderonguti5515]

Permatex

[@Huffy_Turns_a_Wrench]

So.... My box doesn't have the plastic ring around the bearing..... I think i heard you say that the cj2a doesn't have that..... how do you pack those bearings into the cups? do you use something like a transmission assembly lube to hold them in place while you slide the worm gear over them? Please help. Im at a stand still right now. Thank You in advance.

[@Huffy_Turns_a_Wrench]

Never mind.... I figured it out. Thanks for the great videos Brian!

[@leeeikszta3999]

Great video

[@metalshaperJeep]

thanks for watching.

[@michaelhead900]

Brian have my steering box ready to put back together,my bushings are good,my sector shaft good the seal they sent me per parts book does not fit in housing it mics out around 1.310 with a 15/16"shaft can't seem to find a seal that fits the one i got 801816 to big dia. Any help ??

[@robertobadilla1499]

Lubrication of the steering box: 80w90 or grease? Thanks, nice video. If it is oil, is there some oil level plug?

[@metalshaperJeep]

Don't use 80w-90 it will attack the bushings in the steering box. I have the correct lube for the steering boxes, and you can check out an earlier video when I go over the proper lubrication for early vehicles. Do not use grease in the steering box, it won't lubricate properly. I have 1000 weight oil that I have developed with the help of a lubricant company that is correct for steering boxes. Contact me if you would like a list of the lubricants I offer. you can reach me anytime at [e-mail] Brian

[@robertobadilla1499]

Thanks!

[@robertobadilla1499]

I am 9 thousand kilometers away!

[@mohdfitriothman5892]

Terima kasih degan penerangan ini staff

[@jackcollins2344]

My buddy has a problem with his steering. When Jeep is setting still with pressure on wheels his steering wheel moves back and forth. In your opinion would that be the adjustment of the bolt and nut adjustment?

[@metalshaperJeep]

There are a lot of places that will make slop in the steering wheel. Start at the box and adjust as I did with the screw on the sector. Best to make this adjustment with the drag link disconnected so you are dealing with just the box. Get a slight drag when turning wheel thru center. Make sure there is no up/down play in the tube and worm. That should help. Next make sure drag link is adjusted snug and lubricated properly. Then check bellcrank for any slop, move on to tie rod ends next . Look at everything while someone is in the jeep moving the steering wheel. You should be able to find the slop in the system by eye after adjusting the steering box. Brian

[@arlingtonguy54]

That was excellent. Thanks

[@gregoutdoorsman4598]

I always learn something when a new video pops up! Is that adjustment procedure the same for the late cj’s?

[@metalshaperJeep]

It works for manual boxes into the 70's. Brian

[@Rust2Roks]

Isnt the M38 a1 box the same box as the willys truck used? They take the same gasket. Also how is the strength on these boxes ? Would you feel safe steering some skinny 34x9x16 swampers on a willys truck with one.

[@metalshaperJeep]

the gasket is the same but the sector is bigger on the pickup truck. 1" sector shaft in your truck. They are good boxes and last a long time with the proper lubricant and adjustment from time to time. I am not sure what the rest of the truck is in but the steering box can handle those tires for street driving. heavy off road driving should get and upgraded box though.

[@wlogue]

Nice info there bud, that was a good watch. I have an unrelated question, i`m re doing a ford t 18 for a friend and i am having trouble finding the correct input shaft bearing. Do you have a source you`d recomend? I already bought one from a "reliable source" and it was chinese junk. Thanks Brian, Will

[@metalshaperJeep]

All my usual sources are getting tough to use due to the fact that they carry inferior bearings . If you have a bearing number just keep searching the internet until you find someone that carries a good quality bearing. There isn't a single bearing company that I would feel good about recommending. Search and maybe you will find a good NOS bearing, or something other than a chinese bearing.

[@bigbird2100]

If parts were made from correct materials then would they not be used

[@frankinjeep1194]

There is a young man with a channel called mudd0xracing he is doing awesome work with old jeeps and rare Jeep you all should check it out he will give you hope for the new generation. As always thanks for sharing your knowledge and showing us your skills!

[@jackcollins2344]

Moves about 2 or 3 inches.

[@AndrewTheCelt]

I bought a new worm gear from a jeep supplier and the steering is very poor, who makes a quality replacement

[@metalshaperJeep]

There is not a good worm shaft made at this time. Everybody is selling the same one and it is not right and does not work properly . There is not anything that will work unless you find a good used one or NOS piece.

[@DebSidera]

Perfect!!! It looks like you have a business. Can I send you my steering box?

[@robertbruce3262]

Do you have an e-mail address for contact?

[@frankinjeep1194]

If you want you can send me the dimensions for that small bushing and I can make you some on my lathe.

[@metalshaperJeep]

I usually make them myself when needed, but many thanks for the offer.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Once again the repro bits are a fail ! The strange thing is with the short bush, I would have thought the housing would have been made to a straight 1" dia, which I suppose is what the kit manufacturers thought,(without checking), so the only way would be to make a new bush from bronze stock, it is almost as if the housing has opened up , was the long bush a tight fit in the small bush end, f it was then it could easily be shortened, although you should not have to do that. Complain to the kit manufacturers, they will listen(not).

[@metalshaperJeep]

The box was dimensional perfect. The bushings were 2 different sizes. yes the long one fit properly in the other side. Long bushing measured 1.0635" and short bushing measured 1.0600" I checked a few kits and they were all the same. Trouble was I thought I was buying NOS kits. Got them from a trusted source and were advertised as NOS. Disappointed when I got them but figured I would show people what they would get when ordering a kit.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Hello Brian, that is a bad thing to happen, did you get back to the supplier and tell him the parts were not NOS, it is still a mystery why they should make the housing.060" over a inch, the only was I have overcome this situation is to push an oversize plug through the bush to expand it, but that only works if there is enough to be able to ream it after. I had some "Seal Tested" kits with this problem Good Luck.

[@johndaut2838]

The parts are coming from India!