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What year did the Ross steering gearboxes change?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Rondog, Nov 3, 2009.

  1. Nov 3, 2009
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
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    Just like it says - what year did the Ross boxes change? I know the later ones were a different/better ratio than what my '56 is, but when was the change? And what are the visual differences? I remember something about the pattern of the cover bolts.....
     
    Rondog, Nov 3, 2009
    #1
  2. Nov 3, 2009
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    I know the V6 box is different...
     
    Patrick, Nov 3, 2009
    #2
  3. Nov 3, 2009
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    That's the only difference I'm aware of- I believe the V6 box is actually the as the M38a1 box.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Nov 3, 2009
    #3
  4. Nov 3, 2009
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
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    OK, then when did they come out in the V6 Jeeps? And what's the secret to identifying one or the other? I know I've read this here before years ago. Seems like there's a difference in the bolt patterns?

    There's a member here that has a Ross box w/column that is interested in trading for a DJ5 column/linkage that I have, but I want to make sure I'm getting the right thing, and not just another Ross like the one I have.
     
    Rondog, Nov 3, 2009
    #4
  5. Nov 4, 2009
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    V6 was introduced in late 65 as a '66 I believe...They both interchange AFAIK
     
    Patrick, Nov 4, 2009
    #5
  6. Nov 4, 2009
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Not directly related to the question, but I parted out a 63 wagon which had power steering and a Ross box. The control valve was attached to the bell crank end of the drag link and it used what appears to be a standard GM assist cylinder and valve. Would make an easy conversion for those that desire to keep their stock steering arrangement.
     
    duffer, Nov 4, 2009
    #6
  7. Nov 4, 2009
    Tom in RI

    Tom in RI Member

    Rhode Island
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    Here is a picture from the M-jeeps site that shows early M38 vs M38A1
    http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modu...ame=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

    Most flatfender had Ross boxes that looked like the M38 box. The ratios between WWII, CJ2A early & late), M38 and M38A1 are all different.

    My 66 V6 box looks different. There isn't a filler on the top, its on the side. But the ratio feels the same as the M38A1.

    The parts '49 and '62 books show CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5 and DJ all had the same P/N 647694.

    M38A1 boxes are around including govt rebuilds that appear at the military vendors like Army Jeep Parts.

    Tom
     
    Tom in RI, Nov 4, 2009
    #7
  8. Nov 4, 2009
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
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    Not sure on a part number but the only difference is whether it was in a 4 cyl or 6 cyl jeep.--on the cj5's.

    The v6 box is physically bigger than the 4 cyl model.

    Maybe an inch in both length and height??
    width seemed to be about the same

    I don't have the one I used to have anymore or I'd let you know the dimensions for it
     
    termin8ed, Nov 4, 2009
    #8
  9. Nov 4, 2009
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    The ratio is different between the two as well.
     
    Patrick, Nov 4, 2009
    #9
  10. Nov 4, 2009
    NoFlyZone

    NoFlyZone Member

    Ridgeville, SC
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    I have both. I will be setting them beside each other tomorrow for a picture session if I get a chance.
     
    NoFlyZone, Nov 4, 2009
    #10
  11. Nov 5, 2009
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
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    That's why I want a good one, it's supposed to be a good upgrade, yes? And no, I'm not gonna put a Saginaw on it.

    Thank you! That would be great! I'd appreciate that, and it should maybe be put in the Technical section? I looked in there but didn't see anything about this topic.
     
    Rondog, Nov 5, 2009
    #11
  12. Nov 5, 2009
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I had a look in the parts books last night, there are at least five different numbers for steering boxes not including the military unit or RHD boxes.

    At least three seem to be very closely related in that they use many of the same internal parts but I'm not able to get a good feel for exactly which ones were "F4" or "V6" only as the various associated parts can show up listed for both, nor does the PM give any clue to the ratios. If anyone is really interested I'll scan & post the pages but it'll give you a &*%$ headache trying to figure out what's what. :(.

    H
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Nov 5, 2009
    #12
  13. Nov 5, 2009
    JohnyJeep

    JohnyJeep BLOWING A XING NEAR U@2AM

    Beautiful Cody WY
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    That's how mine is. It has a filler on the side.
     
    JohnyJeep, Nov 5, 2009
    #13
  14. Nov 6, 2009
    NoFlyZone

    NoFlyZone Member

    Ridgeville, SC
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    If size has anything to do with it. I'm good to go. How about rebuild kits for the V6 box? I only see one listed from Krage. This one is pretty wobbly.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    NoFlyZone, Nov 6, 2009
    #14
  15. Nov 6, 2009
    NoFlyZone

    NoFlyZone Member

    Ridgeville, SC
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    Do I need to swap steering shafts also?
     
    NoFlyZone, Nov 6, 2009
    #15
  16. Nov 10, 2009
    NoFlyZone

    NoFlyZone Member

    Ridgeville, SC
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    Did everybody lose interest in this or did I miss the discussion else where?
     
    NoFlyZone, Nov 10, 2009
    #16
  17. Nov 11, 2009
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
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    I don't know of anyone offering rebuild kits for the v6 box.
    If it is the same as the m38a1 might want to see if you can find one of the parts places online that specialize in military vehicles. Supply Line that I get from the MVPA has a bunch of vendors in it. If I get a chance I'll look around to see if I can find anything.
     
    termin8ed, Nov 11, 2009
    #17
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