Manual Steering Box swap question

[Zeekmiester]

Morning Folks,

I have a 1960 GMC stepper 2WD. My original gearbox was pretty sloppy and I opted to replace it with one from POL. What I noticed is on my original there is a pipe plug to inspect fluid level. On the replacement I received there is no fill plug, the location is casted closed (see pics). The only way I can see to check fluid level is to remove the adjustment plate on top and I am not sure if this could screw anything up if removed. I am waiting on a reply from POL if this is a sealed unit and if it was even filled to bolt right on. Appreciate any info if yall have run into this before.
Thanks

[slorio]

Ziekmeister:
A couple of thoughts after having just rebuilt my box. Instructions I had for rebuild specified 11 oz of lithium ep grease. Too much and you blow the seals out. Also, mixing different kinds of grease can cause clumping which is not a good idea. To properly fill one of these, you would need to clean out the old grease and put back a measured amount of the right grease. Your rebuilder should have already done both of the above. I would install your new box and not worry about unless you see obvious signs of it leaking. If/when it leaks, then a new rebuild with new seals would be in order.

Hope that helps.
Regards
Steve
New Orleans

[Wrenchbender Ret]

You can add fluid by removing the center bolt that holds the cover down.
George

[Zeekmiester]

Thanks Yall, I will remove center bolt just to verify box has adequate lubrication. I would have assumed it was ready to bolt on. Thanks again for the quick replies.