I am rebuilding my Ross T12 on my 67 CJ5 v6. I confirmed that the steering box is the larger used on this model (TL122987). The Sector shaft is also the original (TL124989) and in good condition. I am replacing the pitman arm because there is pitting on the ball. He is the mystery I am trying to solve. Here is a pic of pitman arm as I was disassembling the box. Please notice that there is no space between the box and the pitman arm and the nut is pretty much flush with the end of the sector shaft.
I took it apart, cleaned it up, put the worm gear back in with original bearings (good condition), shimmed to remove all backlash (spins freely), put the sector shaft back in.
When I put my pitman arm back on (original or new), there is a gap between the arm and the box. I believe that I have confirmed that the arm is as far on the shaft as the splines will allow. What am I missing here. It's driving me nuts.
I understand that the CJ5 v6 used a shorter sector shaft. This is the same sector shaft in all pics. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
John