Steering gear, what’s this cotter pin for?

[dartski]

In the top of this manual steering gear. Doesn’t seem to be connected to anything as I can spin it around.
It’s bent over just enough to prevent it from coming out.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

Just like on a Handgernade ! Don't pull it till you have to use it !!!!! Bad things will happen !

 

[Mopar head]

Probably just a cheap way to vent the box.

 

[dartski]

Ok that sounds logical I guess. I see the new reproduction PST units as well as all the others have it.

Thanks

 

[Dave999]

filler plug
originals were not vented
originals had a mopar oily grease concoction in them. might have been multi mileage lube might not.

closet you can get today is Texaco/Chevron MARFAC but they seem to sell that stuff in 40 gallon drums.... you'd be investing $$$ hundreds for a job that needs a cup full

maybe when filled with modern grease or a grease/90 weight gear oil cocktail they need venting....

id thread it and put a grease nipple/zerk fitting in it otherwise when your headers heat it up its going to ooze out

 

[toolmanmike]

filler plug
originals were not vented
originals had a mopar oily grease concoction in them. might have been multi mileage lube might not.

closet you can get today is Texaco/Chevron MARFAC but they seem to sell that stuff in 40 gallon drums.... you'd be investing $$$ hundreds for a job that needs a cup full

maybe when filled with modern grease or a grease/90 weight gear oil cocktail they need venting....

id thread it and put a grease nipple/zerk fitting in it otherwise when your headers heat it up its going to ooze out

I'd have to see what was in them originally. John Deere corn head grease might be a good substitute. It is stick and turns semi liquid with heat.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

I ave 3 gear boxes here and none have that cotter pin on it.

 

[dartski]

I noticed all the new replacements whether it’s from Kanter, PST, EBay or Jegs (pictured) have them.

 

[dartski]

I ave 3 gear boxes here and none have that cotter pin on it.

What do your boxes have instead of the cotter pin, an open hole?

 

[Dave999]

no hole in an orginal filler plug

completely sealed unit

plug used for refill only if it leaks or needs a rebuild.

the only place it will leak is the seal on the sector shaft. if your pitman arm is oily and greasy top up your steering box... and add another awkward job to your list.

if those pins are soldered into the filler plug then a chain or lock wire can be added so that the plug can never be lost.

i'm guessing, clutching at straws

Dave