Removing Ross Steering Box From Veh.

I need to replace the shaft and lever in my Ross steering box (71 with a V-6) and the FSM says for a CJ-5 with the V-6 in order to get the steering box (FSM calls it a steering gear) out by" jacking up the vehicle and remove steering gear and column assembly down through the floor pan opening and out from under vehicle" If I had a garage with lifts etc. that might be not too bad, but does not sound very easy to me with just jacking up the veh. high enough to get all that there way. I was thinking ( yeah I know if I could think I would not have a jeep ) that a guy could just take off the fender, which is pretty easy, and be able to reach in and disconnect the shaft from the box and then after disconnecting everything else be able to pull the box out that way. Anybody ever done something like this?
Thanks
Mike

 

I started a thread about this last year and the consensus is you can pull it out through the top if you pull up the floor plates: V6 Ross Steering Box Removal

....of course I still haven't gotten to doing mine yet.

 

Just did mine a few months back, and you can get it out through the top. remove floor pans, remove the brake M/C bolts and anything else that might be in the way. You might have to do some prying in order to get the arm off the shaft. Then it's just a matter of cussing and groaning. But with patience and a few breaks...you should be able to wiggle it out. Not the most enjoyable job, but it is worth it.

 

Pulled the box from my '67 by putting on jackstand and remove steering wheel and outer column.Pull box and inner shaft right out under jeep.Went back in same way.Didn't really see any issue with this.Be mindful of the shims position between frame and box so that column lines up with dash when it is tightened at the box on the re-install.. mike

 

How high did you jack the jeep up and did you just jack up the front? What got me worried was how high you would have to jack it up and be setting on jack stands. Just standing back and looking at the angle of the column was I thought maybe the jeep had to be pretty high. So maybe I am wrong and the jeep does not have to be that high?
Mike

 

I pulled mine out the bottom, with it on jackstands, but to be fair, my CJ already had an aftermarket steering wheel on it, so while the splines were frozen solid, I was able to unbolt the wheel from the adapter, which made life alot easier. It didn't need to be that high, honestly.

 

Well your convinced me, well give it a try by jacking it up.
Thanks guys
Mike

 

Is this a restoration or a modified jeep? if it's a restoration...meaning "keep it original" then do what is said here...if not I recommend cut it out and replace with a Saginaw box like the newer jeeps, you will be glad you did! I did and never looked back, the ross was designed in the 40's and should have stayed there!!!

Dale

 

Thanks for the thought but this is not a restoration, just a normal repair. Have used the Ross sense I bought it brand new in 71 and pretty well used to it plus want to keep it original.
Mike

 

I’m not hijacking this thread but I do have a related issue I’m working on and thought you guys could help. I’m doing a restoration of a 60 CJ5 and I have the complete steering assembly removed (steering wheel to gear box). Im having difficulty removing the steering wheel from its shaft. I’ve tried tapping it off and use of a gear puller without too much aggression so as not to damage the wheel.
Anyone experience this problem? Steve

 

Why not post a new thread and then there's no question? Or better yet, search - site:earlycj5.com remove steering wheel - Bing

 

You can pull the box out from the top. Remove the floor pans, and then remove the bolts from the master cylinder to help give you a little more clearance. Just did mine a few months ago. My drivers side fender was already removed as I was repairing it, so this did make it a bit easier.