1958 DJ-3A 'CHROMO' - Ross Steering Corn Head & GL-4 "Slurry" [Ep. 5]

Описание: Welcome back to Hacking Patina!

In Episode 5 of the "Chromo" project series, we dive back into the revival of the 1958 Willys DJ-3A. With the goal of getting this vintage Jeep road-ready for a trip down its hometown streets of Chromo, CO, attention turns to the ROSS STEERING box.

These vintage cam-and-lever boxes are notorious for leaking. In this episode, we mix up the "secret sauce"—a slurry of John Deere Corn Head Grease and Driven GL-4 Oil—to lubricate the box without the leaks.

📺 Watch the Full "Chromo" Restoration Series:    • 1958 DJ-3A 'CHROMO' - REVIVAL SERIES  

🛠️ THE "SLURRY" RECIPE

The Mix: ~80% John Deere Corn Head Grease (NLGI 0) + ~20% Driven GO GL-4 Gear Oil.

The Goal: A "thick pudding" consistency.

Why: The semi-fluid grease prevents leaks at the sector shaft, while the high-zinc GL-4 oil protects the yellow metals (bronze bushings) and ensures the upper worm bearings get lubricated.

⚙️ SERVICE SPECS & CHEAT SHEET If you are doing this job yourself, here are the steps and torque specs mentioned in the video:

1. Preparation

Clean the box thoroughly.

Critical: Check for vertical play in the steering column (Worm Bearing Pre-load). If the wheel "clunks" up and down, remove shims at the base of the column before adjusting the steering mesh.

2. Filling the Box

Use a syringe (bottle) to inject the mixture.

The "Burp": Turn the wheel lock-to-lock frequently while filling to release trapped air bubbles.

3. Adjusting the Mesh (Removing Play)

Find the exact center of steering travel (the "High Spot").

Loosen the lock nut on the side cover.

Turn the screw clockwise until you feel a slight drag over the center.

Torque Lock Nut: 30–40 ft-lbs.

🔧 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Side Cover Bolts: 15–20 ft-lbs (Use thread sealant!)

Steering Box-to-Frame Bolts: 45–55 ft-lbs

Pitman Arm Nut: 95–115 ft-lbs

Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe to follow the rest of the Chromo revival.

Next up... BRAKES!

0:00 Intro: The Ross Steering Challenge
0:23 The Plan: Corn Head Grease + GL4 Slurry
1:56 History of the Ross Cam & Lever Box
3:19 Anatomy of the Steering Box (Sector Shaft & Worm)
4:53 WARNING: Don't use Grease Zerks!
6:40 Cleaning the Box & Checking Bolts
8:08 Mixing the "Secret Sauce" (The Recipe)
10:07 The DIY Stir Stick (Clutch Cable!)
11:12 Sealing the Side Cover Bolts (Critical Step)
11:52 Filling the Box & Burping the Air
13:27 Adjusting the Steering Play (Sector Shaft Mesh)
16:16 Final Thoughts & Wiring Preview

#WillysJeep #RossSteering #CornHeadGrease #JeepRestoration #DJ3A #HackingPatina #WillysService #Flatfender #JeepRevival