Mystery steering box

[cross]

While removing all the parts from my M38 frame in prep for sandblasting it was quite obvious a PO had jury rigged in a Ross steering box. They actually torched off the gussets which reenforce the mounting flange on the box and then mounted it to frame using 2 holes because the 3rd wouldnt match up. Seems this box came off a vehicle which would have mounted to left side of frame. It has casting number T125996 on cover and T12296? on other side of box. Would be interested if anyone actually knows what it belongs too. Would also be interested in finding the correct steering box & column for an M38.

[andrew_]

I have the same casting numbers on a steering box/shaft that came off of a 1967 Cushman Golfster Trophy 4 wheel golf cart. I spent a good amount of the day yesterday on the phone calling around the country. I started with TRW and 14 companies later I finally ended my search with a company in Lincoln, NE that still carries vintage parts for older model carts.

While you're not looking for info on a golf cart, I was told that these were used prolifically on Jeeps and even some Studebakers. The box is made by Ross (which is now owned by TRW) and the shafts were made to order based on the application and required shaft length.

The bad news is that no one outside of a junkyard is going to have replacements for these. If you need a gasket, take the top flange off and into a NAPA AutoParts (or similar) and they can cut you a new gasket.

Hope that bit of information helps.

[wesk]

Ross was a primary supplier of steering gear sets to many industries for a half century or so. Allis Chalmers tractors used them as well. Very little of the early box parts can be found anymore. Some of the later heavy truck power steering boxes are still supported though.

[jimm]

cross: PM sent.