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Doc sprayed some paint on the box and column to make it look pretty. Check the rebuild date on the box. 
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Operation Mighty Mite Miracle
- Thread starter ODFever
- Start date
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Doc sent me this picture today. The end of the replacement column is on the left, and the horribly butchered one is on the right.
Another Ahab
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Not only butchered, but butchered beyond ALL recognition.
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The replacement steering column and box cost me $170. The steering wheel cost me $360. 
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Doc pulled apart the front hub.
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From Doc:
Glad that I'm taking the hubs apart. The first photo shows passenger side hub with a "dot" on the end of the bolt. The lock piece is missing on the bearing castle nut at slot at 9 o'clock. Bolt is the recalled bolt. The second drivers side photo shows the new bolt with the "X" stamped on the end. The correct one that does not break apart. The lock piece on the slot at the 3 o'clock position.
Glad that I'm taking the hubs apart. The first photo shows passenger side hub with a "dot" on the end of the bolt. The lock piece is missing on the bearing castle nut at slot at 9 o'clock. Bolt is the recalled bolt. The second drivers side photo shows the new bolt with the "X" stamped on the end. The correct one that does not break apart. The lock piece on the slot at the 3 o'clock position.
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I had a little problem with the new steering box. The box mount was bent. The bracket on the right at the bottom was bent. I couldn't get enough dent out so had to rob the old one. Never a dull moment.
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The re-manufactured steering box is bolted in, oiled, aligned, and tight.
- 797
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Always good to keep the wheels on!
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The three photos show the new improved hub bolt and the old bolt. The old bolt is on the right in all photos. The old bolt is a two piece bolt that is welded on the end. The new bolt is a one piece that is a little more resistant to coming apart. New and improved marked with an "X". The X bolt cost me $40. 
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These are all the parts from one hub.
Another Ahab
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That's some sure enough pricey hardware, Brother OD!
But I guess if it's the right thing (and your only real choice), well, you "got to do what you got to do".
![[thumbzup]](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumzup.gif "Thumbs Up [thumbzup]"){kind=icon}
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The original bolt was prone to failure. Service Bulletin MM-2 mandated the change to the X bolts.
All of the parts going on the Mite are one-time purchase items. Thankfully I will never have to buy another steering wheel, X bolt, steering column, master cylinder, brake switch, etc. The only thing Jeannie will need when she's on the road is insurance, oil changes, and ethanol-free fuel.
All of the parts going on the Mite are one-time purchase items. Thankfully I will never have to buy another steering wheel, X bolt, steering column, master cylinder, brake switch, etc. The only thing Jeannie will need when she's on the road is insurance, oil changes, and ethanol-free fuel.
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I found this article, written by Rob Walsh. It was published in the August/September 2014 MVPA Supply Line.
View attachment Mighty_Mite article RFW.pdf
View attachment Mighty_Mite article RFW.pdf
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Doc didn't see this until he cleaned everything. This is the nut that didn't have a lock piece. Looks like someone made a pathetic attempt at tack welding the nut on. Why on EARTH did some genius take the time to drag out a dang welder to secure this nut?!?!?!? Wouldn't it have been easier to install the correct locking washer???
Another Ahab
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If only "things" could talk; BUT, you'll never know....Doc didn't see this until he cleaned everything. This is the nut that didn't have a lock piece. Looks like someone made a pathetic attempt at tack welding the nut on. Why on EARTH did some genius take the time to drag out a dang welder to secure this nut?!?!?!? Wouldn't it have been easier to install the correct locking washer???
View attachment 654951
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I thought about that recently. I wish my Model A could talk. I'd listen to her for hours, days, weeks.... The same goes for my M1009.
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Hey Mark, did you see the Oct. 2016 issue of Military Vehicles? Had a couple of articles and a good cover photo about Mighty Mites.
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No, I haven't seen that. Could you please save the issue for me?
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I save all of them.