Rag Joint Steering Box XJ Shaft

[Chief Brody]

I am trying to replace the top seal in the steering box but I am stuck at the rag joint.

How do I get it off?

 

[4X4HIGH]

You will find a 12 point pinch bolt (7/16" socket IIRC) that you must remove then the rag joint will slide off (you might have to pursuede it some).

 

[Chief Brody]

You will find a 12 point pinch bolt (7/16" socket IIRC) that you must remove then the rag joint will slide off (you might have to pursuede it some).

inside the rag joint center or on the neck behind it?

 

[ChrisPerry]

inside the rag joint center or on the neck behind it?

On the neck behind it. Like 4x4HIGH said the bolt needs to come all the way off for the rag joint to come off.

 

[Chief Brody]

Thank you! The key was the 12 point socket...I was beating my brains out with a 6 sided impact wrench 7/16 socket and it just wouldn't fit

 

[4X4HIGH]

inside the rag joint center or on the neck behind it?

I've circled the back side of the threads so 180* opposite you'll see the bolt head.

EDIT: Damn you guys are quicker than I am today. I guess that's what happens when you're still sick and trying to be of help.

 

[Chief Brody]

Now I am stuck on the seal...I got the rubber washer out but the thing behind it won't come out:

 

[4X4HIGH]

Now I am stuck on the seal...I got the rubber washer out but the thing behind it won't come out:

The "thing" behind the washer IS the seal. You should have already removed the snap ring and the dust shield leaving you the old seal to pry out. Some people will tell you it is easy to do with the box together but I know otherwise that it can be difficult to remove without scratching the input shaft sealing surface. Whatever you do just be careful you don't scratch the input shaft.

 

[Chief Brody]

OK I got it! Is that all? Just those two?

Now I don't remember which way the rubber washer goes in...I know which way the seal goes in...but not the washer/dust cover.

 

[Chief Brody]

Well right or wrong, it's in there now:

 

[Chief Brody]

Now I am Screwed

The XJ shaft ends don't match my steering....Both my ends are splined and the XJ shaft only has one splined end:

 

[4X4HIGH]

I replied to your other thread about the steering shaft. Also you have the dust shield on backward although it really doesn't make a difference as long as it doesn't interfere with the rag joint or XJ shaft going back on.

 

[Chief Brody]

I replied to your other thread about the steering shaft. Also you have the dust shield on backward although it really doesn't make a difference as long as it doesn't interfere with the rag joint or XJ shaft going back on.

It appears to have stopped the leak...there was a huge area on the bottom of the old seal that had blown through...that where the gusher was coming from...