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Re: [oletrucks] steering box

To: "J Forbes" <jforb@mindspring.com>,
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] steering box
From: "K. M. Lehmann" <klehmann@bentonrea.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 14:11:12 -0700
My '42 -'46 shop manual says "chassis lubes are satisfactory to use".
I have also heard that a mixture of wheel bearing and gear lube was used.
Lee
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J Forbes" <jforb@mindspring.com>
To: "Old Trucks List" <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2004 12:41 PM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] steering box


> > Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 06:00:06 -0500
> > From: Leon Corley <lcorley@ticnet.com>
> > Subject: [oletrucks] steering box
> > 
> > I got the new bushings installed in my 53 3100 steering box.
> > The bushing set came from Jim Carter.
> > I bought a bushing driver kit from thetoolwarehouse.net, an OTC #4505, 
> > for ~$20.
> > The pitman arm side bushing was very easy.
> > The cap side was a little harder.
> > I used a chisel to cut out the old bushing.
> > The replacement bushing was about 1/4 too long.
> > I drove it in until it was almost seated, cut off the excess with a 
> > hacksaw, cleaned up the edge, and then drove it home.
> 
> That's what it takes to put the bushings in, on the newer 
> manual boxes GM serviced the cover bushing by selling you a 
> new cover with new bushing installed.  They won't fit the 
> older trucks though.
> 
> > Now my quandary is what grease to use in the box.
> > According to the local Chevy dealer, GM has discontinued the #1052182 
> > lube that is recommended on out tech page.
> > Does anyone have a suggestion for something better than the thickest 
> > gear oil I can find?
> 
> Thick gear oil will probably leak out eventually, but it may 
> be better than normal grease.  The problem with grease is 
> that it doesn't flow into all the nooks and crannies, and 
> tends to dry out just where it's needed after several years. 
>   I've worked on some steering boxes that had grease in them 
> and worn out worm and balls from lack of lubrication.  If 
> the truck doesn't get much use, and you relube it 
> occasionally, it would probably be ok.
> 
> It's too bad Chevy isn't selling the lube any 
> longer...perhaps it's time for someone to do some research 
> into suitable replacements.  The lube needs to be as thick 
> as thin grease, but needs to be liquid enough to flow like 
> thick oil.
> 
> -- 
> Jim
> 
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