steering box lube

[shrinx]

Just took possession of a 1954 M37. One of my first tasks will be to drain/fill all the oils. I’m stumped on the steering box. Is there no drain plug? If not, what’s the procedure for replacing the fluid. If I need to pump out the old oil, what would you suggest for a pump?
Also, once figure this out, is there a less expensive alternative to Mobilgear 600XP460?

Thank you for your help, Terry

[Elwood]

Do you know what "lubricant" is in the steering box now? Over the years people have put anything and everything in these boxes, depending on the advice (good and bad) they received and what they had on hand. Since the correct lube is actually a worm grease such as Mobilgear 600XP460, if it has even close to the correct lube, a pump is not going to work very well.

Steering components to me are like brakes: cutting corners (no pun intended) is asking for trouble, and the consequences can be deadly. My preference on a new to me but old vehicle is to open up that box and see what's in there. You may find a serious problem with worm wear or bearings that should be corrected before your truck is driven on the road. Then you can clean out whatever lube was in there.

I don't know of a substitute for 600XP460, although there are plenty of "expert" recommendations such as John Deere Corn Head Grease (which I am definitely not suggesting that you use). Yes, the 600XP460 can be hard to find in a small quantity and expensive, but in this instance, is saving a few dollars worth the risk?

[shrinx]

Elwood,
Thank you for the sage advice. I do not know what oil or even what liquid is in the steering box. I'm guessing that there is no way to test it without sending it off to some expensive lab, so I'll dig in. The technical manual is marginally helpful, but I remember seeing some videos online that may be helpful.

In the meantime, would you happen to know the size of the gaskets for the differentials drain plugs?

[Rdinatal]

In the meantime, would you happen to know the size of the gaskets for the differentials drain plugs?

Axle drain crush washer MS35769-18
22.2mm
OEM PLUG 7373671
https://a.co/d/70g4npK

[shrinx]

Thank you Rdinatal. Just placed an order for the washers. Now comes the fun part: Crawling under the truck to drain/add oil.

[Cal_Gary]

Welcome Shrinx! please keep us posted on your progress. Happy to have you with us!
Gary

[shrinx]

Cal_Gary, finding this website is like finding the Rosetta Stone of M37s. Already I've had members help me. I'm sure I'll be asking lots of newbie questions and getting terrific advice.

[Cal_Gary]

We started where you are so don't be shy-we're here to help!
Gary

[shrinx]

Good advice about lube products, but still wondering if there is a drain plug in the steering box.

[Vaughn2]

To drain the box of oil if it has been filled with oil, take a lower bolt out of the housing end plate. Because these boxes end up over time leaking past the oil seal, owners end up installing a different lube other than the standard 90 gear oil. Owners use different products one being John Deer Corn Head Grease, I use straight STP oil additive in mine over the past 20 years with no deuteriation of parts and I have a modern oil seal. Whatever you decide to use, it MUST be safe for yellow metal since there are two bronze bushings in the housing for the steering gear shaft. The other drive train components MUST have a lubricant safe for yellow metal, the only exception is the TC which does not have any yellow metal in it.

[Northof53]

Just had mine apart and it was full of grease so nothing will drain out that’s for sure. Had it off the truck completely to do my steering mod so had it all apart.

[shrinx]

Thanks for the help. I'll open up the box and see what's what.