Steering boxes

[TomM]

I just looked into my steering boxes. I have an early one and a late one. Unfortunately, it looks inside like the late one is really an M38A1 box .
Were there problems with the early boxes that had them go to the late style?
Does anyone know a source for complete Late M38 steering boxes that are correctly rebuilt?
Tom

[wesk]

Hello Tom,
From what I've seen the M38 went through two steering gear boxes plus a couple of parts supersedures for waterproofing and etc. The M38A1 box is a totally different ratio but is very similar in appearance to the late M38. The rebuilt government stuff I've seen or heard of are the A1 units. These are ok but one must exercise caution at high road speeds since the A1 ratio gives you a very fast input.
_________________
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

[TomM]

Hi Wes,
Agreed, from what I hear , the A1 box in an M38 is a too fast for comfort in an M38 so I will keep the steering the original ratio.

Will the M38 worm and cam fit an A1 box to revert back to the M38 ratio?

My early box is solid and I will use it for now. But since the jeep is s/n 51xxx it would be best to have a correct later box.


Tom