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1969 Cj5 Steering Help

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Allan Jansen, Nov 19, 2017.

  1. Allan Jansen

    Allan Jansen New Member

    I have a '69 CJ5 that I am wanting to install a set of '78 axels under. The plan is to stay with manual steering instead of power steering. But I am not sure what parts I will need to change to make the '78 steering work on the '69 setup. Has anyone ever done this type of swap or have the knowledge to help?
     
    Allan Jansen, Nov 19, 2017
    #1
  2. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Are you talking about swapping the front axle only, or both front and rear on your '69. If you are considering the rear too, be aware that a '78 has a centered diff. The Dana 30 front axle from a '78 should bolt in pretty easily. Are you going to retain your Ross box and bellcrank setup, or upgrade to a Saginaw setup like used from '72-up?
    -Donny
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2017
    Keys5a, Nov 19, 2017
    #2
  3. Allan Jansen

    Allan Jansen New Member

    Ok. I went and investigated further on the axels I think I may just stick with the ‘69 axels. I got them when I bought the Jeep so I just wanted to use them. Now considering the ‘69 steering is junk, would you do the upgrade to the Saginaw setup?
     
    Allan Jansen, Nov 20, 2017
    #3
  4. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    That depends on the intended usage- if you're planning on Big Tires & a lot of rock climbing a saggy swap makes sense but be aware that you'll still need to to go through & probably have to rebuild things like the steering hub bearings.

    But there is a fair amount of fab work & fitting to a saggy swap, if you're looking at more of a trail rider situation rebuilding the Ross can be cheaper and faster.

    Do a search here for "death wobble" & "saginaw swap" to get a feeling for everything involved.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Nov 20, 2017
    #4
  5. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    I would say that the Ross steering is adequate for factory sized tires when in good condition. Note the qualifiers ... "adequate" meaning the Saginaw manual will be easier to turn and more durable, "factory sized tires" means just that, H78-15, 235-75R15 or similar. And good condition may take some effort to achieve considering the age of these vehicles and quality/availability of Ross gear repair parts.

    But you can put together a fun and reliable Jeep with the original Ross steering, if you want. JMO.

    You are in the wrong sub-forum to talk about modifications though.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2017
    timgr, Nov 20, 2017
    #5