Apologies to Jimmy Fallon

[4x4M38]

Thank you Will Freeman (and the host of others), who has taken photos of and logged the steps it has taken to rebuild his M38A1.

I had begun to make some progress on my little project, but I ran across your website today and fear that along with the heat, it will severely slow down my rate of fire!

Seriously, thanks for taking the time. I am currently working on rebuilding the steering from front to back, and re-installing everything rebuilt back to the pittman arm. That and the steering box is next, and I shudder to think about what I will find. I have a lot of play in that sector shaft at the pittman arm end with the drag link disconnected.

It would be nice if that was "normal" with the drag link pulled, but I just can't see how. The alternative is, well, frightening.

Brian

[wesk]

I didn't see an apology to Jimmy Fallon in that post?

[4x4M38]

He does Thank You Notes on his show.....

[wesk]

I have a lot of play in that sector shaft at the pittman arm end with the drag link disconnected.

It would be nice if that was "normal" with the drag link pulled, but I just can't see how. The alternative is, well, frightening.

Are you saying the pitman arm is loose on the end of the steering sector shaft or are you saying there is measurable movement at the pitman arm that is coming from the sector gear slop inside the box?

[4x4M38]

Hi Wes,
With the drag link disconnected and I grab the pittman arm at the shaft I can move the shaft and pittman up and down about 3/8 - 1/2" at the pittman arm end.

I am assuming the shaft bearings are shot, if I'm lucky.....

Brian

[wilfreeman]

Thank you Will Freeman (and the host of others), who has taken photos of and logged the steps it has taken to rebuild his M38A1.

Brian

There's no need to thank me Brian. I actually enjoy working on my 'a1 and helping others to bring their projects back to life! I am glad that my blog helped you (and everyone else that has visited) . If there is anything that I can help with, Ferrell free to comment on the blog and I will do what I can to post up the answers.

[4x4M38]

Thanks Matt.

You've already helped!

I had been reading pages and pages of how to disassemble and reassemble the steering box and a couple of them were reading like War and Peace.

I had read the manuals, but these were pretty tedious.

Your description seemed pretty straightforward. I may yet get the courage to pull that thing apart.
Take care,

Brian

[wilfreeman]

It's not bad at all. I think removing/reinstalling the gear is a lot worse than actually rebuilding it. The hardest part is removing/installing/reaming (or honeing) the bushings.

[wesk]

Most likely the worm and the sector pins are also worn. Have you used the original Ross manual I have loaded?

[4x4M38]

Not yet Wes.

I keep looking out there at it sitting there in the shade under the oak tree, thinking I should go ahead, pull the floor plate, wheel, and box and go for it.

Just haven't wrestled up the courage yet.

Brian