2 Hole Knuckle Steering Question

Stock early cj5 with Ross steering, no lift,
keeping the Ross box.
Which is a more desirable modification, two hole knuckle VS the one piece tie rod with a drag link fitting? Thanks in advance!

 

Not an either/or choice here; you get both if you convert.
When you install a 2 hole knuckle to a D25 or D27 axle, the steering ratio (advantage) increases because the connect rod hole is further from the king pin pivot.
The bell crank now connects direct to the double knuckle via the short rod and a special length one piece “tie rod” connects both steering knuckles together.
With the two knuckles being “tied” directly together this virtually eliminates all of the repetitive “toe in” motions that are know as the Death Wobble.
However the potential for up/down motions that are also and simultaneously associated with the Death Wobble do remain.
That said Death Wobble becomes near impossible.

 

It is an upgrade I plan for my 67 CJ5 which happens to have two hole knuckles on both sides which is something I haven't seen before. The other 67 I am parting out does not have two hole knuckles.

Ken is right, with both steering knuckles connected by the long tie rod they can only move as a pair.

 

JMO - no great experience with these, but some understanding of what's involved. If you can obtain and install a 2-hole knuckle, that seems better than the special tie rod end with the hole in it. Mechanically superior, better for suspension clearance. More mechanical advantage, as Ken points out. Uses conventional tie rod ends, and easily converted to Saginaw steering.

 

The two hole knuckle also provides a little more tie rod-spring clearance without the "Y" tie rod end. I ran this both ways over 40 years in my 3B. The knuckle swap is well worth the effort.

 

My mistake; Tim’s right.
It is possible to convert to a single tie rod system without using a double knuckle via integrating the special tie rod joint down near the knuckle.
Problem is that the existing double rod joint has it’s slight angle going the wrong way.
I once solved that additional problem by heating and reversing the joint angle at it’s threaded end.
Technically heating of and reforming the special end joint might be considered as an illegal modification.
Go with the double knuckle system if at all possible; it’s simply better.

 

Great info Howard. I’m just not familiar with jeepster/ commando parts.

 

Thanks to all who responded. Work in progress!