Steering bell crank removal

How do you remove the plug from the end of the steering shaft?

Also, since I'm complaining. I hate bronze bushings.

 

Do you mean the plugs at both ends of the arm that attaches to the steering gear arm at one end and to the bell crank at the other end?

If so, pull the cotter pin, find the crossed slots at the end, insert large screw driver and unscrew it. Be careful that you get all the parts out of the arm… some of them can stick in there in old grease.

 

That's it. I thought it unscrewed, but even using a pry bar I couldn't get it to budge. I have it soaking in pblaster tonight.

 

A slotted bit made to fit a 1/2" ratchet is the tool to have.

When you do get it apart make good notes on the order of assembly, especially the location of the ball-end.. The front and rear end sequences are different - and it matters for safety.

 

There's a HF just around the corner, I'll go up there tomorrow & see if there's something I can modify. Would it be a bad idea to use an impact wrench?

I'm only taking the front end off, to get the bell crank off. I'll be sure to keep good notes. When I looked at the blow up in the FSM, I was surprised there were so many bits to it. Of course, it just says to remove the plug, not HOW to do it

Thanks for your help. The guy who tricked me into buying my dream Jeep said this was a good site

 

Craftsman makes a special socket that is made just for that job.
http://m.craftsman.com/craftsman-4-pc-drag-link-socket-set/p-00934299000P

 

T

Those are them.

 

really . hard to find good help sometimes

 

Welcome to the group. All good people.

Since you are hating on bronze bushings, did you see this thread?
Steering Bellcrank Mod with Paired Tapered Roller Bearings

 

I cut the ends off mine with a cutting wheel.. A new drag link is like $25. Mine was really old and the slots for the screwdriver just feel apart...

 

You may want to put those sockets on the end of an impact driver -- not the air operated type, but the kind you smack with a hammer. I have said it before in here and I will say it again. An impact driver is an invaluable tool to have when you are restoring these old jeeps.

 

I've got the non-tapered bearing rebuild kit from Walck's. Time to get back to work

 

Can't beat this tool when you need it. I don't use mine often, but when I do, there is nothing that will take its place.

 

Use heat, its works wonders.

 

Just rebuilt the bell crank on my '62. Bought the socket for the end plug from Napa. 3/8" drive one worked ok. I am going to rebuild drag link too.