Home 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
steering box lube
Moderators: Cal_Gary, T. Highway, Monkey Man, robi
Re: steering box lube
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?
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?
“When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, IT IS THEIR RIGHT, IT IS THEIR DUTY, TO THROW OFF SUCH GOVERNMENT...” -Declaration of Independence, 1776
Re: steering box lube
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?
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?
1954 M37
Re: steering box lube
Last edited by Rdinatal on Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
1952 M37 - Mods = Locking hubs, battery switch, 2 bank charger, PB, PS, Pertronix SSI, Elect fuel pump w/filter&pressure switch, bikini top, tool box liners, 24v & 12v fused circuits, Seatbelts
Re: steering box lube
Thank you Rdinatal. Just placed an order for the washers. Now comes the fun part: Crawling under the truck to drain/add oil.
1954 M37
Re: steering box lube
Welcome Shrinx! please keep us posted on your progress. Happy to have you with us!
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
Re: steering box lube
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.
1954 M37
Re: steering box lube
We started where you are so don't be shy-we're here to help!
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004