Ross Steering Box

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Mon Mar 29, 2021 3:35 pm

My M38 came with a Ross steering box that looked like it had been there from day one .... but nope, it has a 7/8" diameter sector shaft and casting numbers that match a MB in one of the G503 videos.

Is this an MB box .... and how does this level of nonconformity affect a 'motorpool' rebuild status for an M38?

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:37 pm

A quick web search shows the T122998 box as fitting the Willys FC-150/170.

Mike B

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 6:51 am

The box is actually #T122988 which does not appear on the chart I was using.

I guess the main issue really gets back to the ‘motor pool’ concept. My M38 barn find came with many origional parts, good body, frame, 24v system, T-90 trans, found a good MC engine .... so down the ‘motor pool’ path went my thoughts without ever being subjected to a MVPA scoring sheet. I may never enter a judging event but do want to ‘get it done right’.

The M38 is going to look great and be very ‘authentic’ .... but how far from ‘perfect’ can my parts selection stray ??? What are the motor pool ‘deal breakers’?

At this point, the major Non-M38 components I know of are:
Wrong carb. (WO)
Wrong Ross steering box
Wrong spare tire bracket (M38a1)
No fording equipment (don’t think it had any)

Post by **wesk** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 8:04 am

If you enter a scored resto competition that uses the common classes, Factory, Motor Pool. Then the gear box will cost you points in either category.

You and only you can decide how perfect a resto your want and how much money you want to spend.

so down the ‘motor pool’ path went my thoughts without ever being subjected to a MVPA scoring sheet. I may never enter a judging event but do want to ‘get it done right’.

This smacks of too much either side of the fence.

No fording equipment (don’t think it had any)

You don't think it had any of the Fording Kit (Bolt on external inlet and exhaust stack) or you don't think it was equipped with any underwater vent system components? All M38's left Willys with one of two different Underwater Vent Systems. Early & late. None left Willys with the external Fording Kit. These were stored at motor pools and issued for use in the field.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 8:20 am

One must be cautious when choosing part numbers for the Ross Steering Gear.

The box is actually #T122988 which does not appear on the chart I was using.

T122988 is the casting number for that housing before it was machined. For a WWII Ross MB steering gear the machined housing was Ross Gear PN 503284. The complete gear box assembly (less strg wheel) with the internal gears was Ross Gear PN T13086.

For the M38 which steering gear assembly depends on early M38 before sn 31338 or late after sn 31337.

Early Ross Gear PN TA13077
Late Ross Gear PN TA13084

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 9:22 am

The cover above does not match any of the three covers on Dr. Miller’s book on page 124.

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 3:50 pm

Late Ross Gear PN TA13084 would be appropriate for my M38 but they must be sleeping with the dinosaurs.

As for T122988 .... an image search will find a few but the folks with the part just say it will fit everything including a Mac Truck.

In fact .... parts I see available for Jeep xyz are usually not original ...... they just happen to fit Jeeps xyz.

Right now on Flea Bay a fellow has a “NOS M38 Ross housing” .... except that it’s NOT.

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Tue Mar 30, 2021 9:23 pm

Mike_B wrote:A quick web search shows the T122998 box as fitting the Willys FC-150/170.

Mike B

I typed the number wrong, I meant to say T122988 as showing up as the FC box.

How long is the worm/shaft? Does it have the steering wheel in the correct location?

Mike B

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 6:18 am

What does this link tell about the T122988? Just curious.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... s-steering

Steering wheel location?.... is that a jeep joke?
....It’s hanging on my barn wall.

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 9:20 am

Naugha wrote:Steering wheel location?.... is that a jeep joke?
....It’s hanging on my barn wall.

I should have worded it differently, not meant to be a joke, but who knows!

The Cam/Worms and the actual shaft welded to the Cam/Worm come in many lengths for different applications putting the steering wheel closer or further from the dash. The gear ratio can also be different.

Mike B

Naugha · Post by **Naugha** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 1:40 pm

Shaft= 37”
Worm= 4 1/4”
Sector Shaft diameter = 7/8”

Maybe drop in the proper kit and move on to higher ground.

Hmm. Would any of the 7/8” kits work?

Post by **wesk** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 11:07 pm

What does this link tell about the T122988? Just curious.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... s-steering

Actually Nothing. It seems to be about a housing with casting number T122983.

It does show how confused a person can be about what he has in his hand and what the meaning of it's numbers are.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:17 am

I would say that you could contact one of the jeep suppliers and get a rebuilt box of your choice, they may have some use for yours and get some kind of a core charge back.

Worth calling around.

I am glad the book is helping to identify parts and hopefully save you time and money!

Ross Steering Box

Ross Steering Box

Shaft & Worm