Leaky pitman arm shaft seal

[69gladiator]

Until this am the powering steering box on the 69 Gladiator never leaked a drop. That was until this morning when I found a huge puddle emanating from the pitman shaft.

Is this seal replaceable? How likely would this fix repair the problem? Any ideas where I could find a new one? It has the older style flare hoses.

[Stuka]

It is repairable, you can buy the seal. BUT, it is kind of a PITA to change. I opted just to replace the box when my J10 started to have the pitman shaft leak really bad. Got mine from napa, been perfect for the last 14 years.

[fulsizjeep]

I tried to replace that seal once. Just once. What a pita.

[69gladiator]

I figured that it wouldn’t be an easy job. If I’m going to change the box, should I put in a S10 box?

[fulsizjeep]

I am not familiar with the steering box on 73 and older FSJs and can not say if that S10 box will fit. Don't the 69s use a steering box adapter plate to fit on the frame? Yeah, you are outside my experience zone...

[69gladiator]

life is kind of busy so I just removed it and sent it out to be rebuilt. The s10 conversion sounds good but I just don't want to take it on right now.

[Phils67]

The seals aren't hard to change if you have a seal puller and a socket big enough to drive it down over the shaft. I've done them without removing them from the truck, although its easier to remove the box. Usually the shaft is fine and it's just a seal.. Unsure about the adapter plates, my 67 doesnt have one. I currently have a XJ box in mine and it was direct bolt on. If you do end up upgrading the box I recommend reinforcing that area,mine ultimately cracked and I had to weld it, built it up with1/2" plate lol its held up fine since.