steering shaft woes |
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con2a
Member Joined: 07 Jan. 2020 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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Posted: 31 July 2020 at 3:34pm |
I disassembled my steering box and everything inside looks and works great, tolerances are just right. I cleaned it, installed a new seal sector shaft seal, and reassembled. When I clamp the steering box to my work bench and rotate the steering shaft, the steering wheel end of the shaft has probably 3/4" wobble. I took it apart and rolled the shaft on a flat surface, like checking a pool cue stick, and the bend seems to be where the worm gear is attached to the shaft, so I figure it needs replaced. Thanks for sticking with me that long; here are my questions:
First, it' a 48 cj2a serial number 205,xxx, so it is supposed to have the 41.5" shaft, but it has a 40.5" shaft. I'm guessing someone has swapped it at some point? Second, the only shafts I can find for sale are omix-ada. Searching the forum I ran across a couple of people that said the omix-ada shafts they bought were different from their old shafts, and ran into binding problems. Should I gamble on an omix-ada, or does anyone know where I can find a different brand? Other suggestions welcome!
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Oldpappy
Member Joined: 09 Apr. 2018 Location: Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 4812 |
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Seems like Crown Automotive has them, or used to. I am fairly sure Omix is not the only choice.
I ended up using the longer version in my CJ2A, and it gives me more belly room under the wheel which was a pleasant surprise. The full length tubes are easier to find new, and only about $20.
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If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!
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Stev
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 27 July 2016 Location: Cincinnati Status: Offline Points: 2383 |
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con2A,
I have had a similar shaft issue (destroid the threaded end in a drill removing the steering wheel) and it got me wondering if in 100 years people with this kind of an issue will be replacing the upper shaft. It is just a section of pipe with some splines and a pipe thread. If they were not available - I would just make it happen. Keep them rolling!
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Stev
1946 CJ2A Trail Jeep (The Saint), 1948 CJ2A Lefty Restored |
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Joe DeYoung
Member Sponsor Member x 2 Joined: 20 July 2005 Location: Madison WI Status: Offline Points: 3354 |
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Con2A... why don't you have or original straightened? Any shop with a lathe and a dial indicator should be able to straighten it out pretty well. I do that kind of thing in my shop quit often.
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Joe DeYoung
to many jeeps, parts, and accessories to list here, but apparently enough to keep me in trouble with my wife. |
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con2a
Member Joined: 07 Jan. 2020 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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Joe- that's a great idea. What does that entail? Heat, a press, then turning to make sure it is straight? The bend is right where the shaft is attached to the worm gear, and I assume those two parts are welded together there but I don't know for sure. I so, might the straightening process compromise that weld?
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Joe DeYoung
Member Sponsor Member x 2 Joined: 20 July 2005 Location: Madison WI Status: Offline Points: 3354 |
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No heat, or turning. Just rotate and push cold till it's true. Can also use vee blocks and a press as well... cold. I've even used a mill before so that I could control the amount of movement for those straightening operations that required precision.
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Joe DeYoung
to many jeeps, parts, and accessories to list here, but apparently enough to keep me in trouble with my wife. |
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blademaker
Member Joined: 21 Mar. 2014 Location: oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 154 |
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Oldpappy
Member Joined: 09 Apr. 2018 Location: Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 4812 |
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And that is NOS military surplus, so not some import part. QTM is an excellent supplier too I have bought a lot of stuff from them. Matt sells quality parts, and knows what he is talking about.
However, I agree with Joe. If the worm is in good shape I would see about having it straightened. I straightened one years ago and it never gave any trouble afterwards.
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If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!
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con2a
Member Joined: 07 Jan. 2020 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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Excellent. I'll call some shops first thing monday am, and if they won't straighten mine, I'll grab that NOS. Thanks guys.
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markcl52
Member Joined: 04 Dec. 2015 Location: Mass Status: Offline Points: 286 |
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I have a 48 about 10k vehicles younger than yours (215xxx). I have the same problem. I can’t straighten it because the weld of the worm gear to the shaft is not concentric. I ended up putting a slight bend in the shaft to somewhat compensate. Not perfect but much better. I’m going to run it. But it will be a while before i am able to road test it.
Edited by markcl52 - 02 Aug. 2020 at 3:04am |
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