M38a1 steering box question

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

Developed a lot of slop in my steering box so I went to replace the bushings. Pulled the sector shaft and it's in bad shape and slightly bent. Seems hard to find a new one, but I do have quite a few steering boxes off cj2's. The shaft and worm gear are different, but the box looks like it bolts right up. Anyone ever do this swap? Also will my brand new steering wheel fit the steering shaft?
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

wesk · Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:20 pm Post subject:

The steering ratio's are noticeably different. The civvy box does not have the horn switch and rod set-up found inside the A1 box. The wheels will fit the tops of either shaft but the horn switch will need to be the one that goes with the civvy column.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

BullRun · Member Joined: Mar 10, 2009 Posts: 459

While not inexpensive you can still get NOS steering boxes, steering columns etc. for the M38A1

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

Think I might just try and find a new or replacement sector shaft. Anyone know where a guy could find one?
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

wesk · Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 8:03 am Post subject:

Start with all the regular jeep vendors. Midwest sells military depot overhauled M38A1 steering assemblies.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

So I found a new shaft from Willys Acres...

The overall length and diameter of the shaft is the exact same.

However, The center to center of the pins are 1.5" and not 2" like my old one.

Think it will still work?
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

image hosting
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

Only thing different is the pin to pin

screenshot on pc
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

wesk · Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 3:06 pm Post subject:

Slip the new one in the case and see how the pins engage the worm. That's the determining factor you must be concerned with.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

just got home and checked it, doesn't fit the worm gear.

Will the steering shaft from another jeep fit an M38A1 box?
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

wesk · Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 8:17 pm Post subject:

The amount of freight and part's cost trying to jury rig a fix may quickly add up to the price of a like new Army depot rebuilt M38A1 steering gear assembly form John at Midwest Military. Those gear boxes last 50,000 plus miles so just think this way: "You'll never have to fool with it again!".
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

ocwd · Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2013 3:21 pm Post subject: Sector Shaft

I have one that I would sell for $100 plus shipping. Looks unused with some surface rust. Has the 1 1/2" spacing like your original. This one came with a pile of M38A1 surplus parts I picked up a couple of years ago.

Dave

ocwd · Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2013 3:25 pm Post subject:

Measured one of mine with the calipers and the shafts are 7/8". Won't work for you.

Dave

oreo3156 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 95

need one with the pins 2" apart
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

skyjeep50 · Member Joined: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 606 Location: Illinois

M38A1 sector shafts are hard to come by as you have discovered. I found one on ebay a while back, came with the steering box. It's now in the jeep and steering has improved but is still somewhat loose. Others have suggested on these forums that the sector shaft pins can be pounded out, turned 90 degrees and put back in (by a machine shop) so the unworn parts of the pin face the worm. That's what I'm going to do to my extra (and very worn) shaft. Cost is a factor but maybe a local machine shop can repair and renovate your existing shaft if you can't find a replacement. New bushings, bearings and seals are available for the steering gear box.
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1951 M38


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