Steering On 1966 Cj5

I have a 1966 cj5 with f 134 engine with a hack job power steering mess, I would like to go back to somewhat original steering, question is will the parts I need work from an earlier jeep cj2? I know where theres one of these setting, probably buy cheap , if the steering box etc will work.

 

Never heard of anyone going back to the mess called Ross steering. You have driven a jeep with one in it haven't you? I can't imagine ever going back to that. Even a cobbled saginaw has to be better than the best Ross box.

 

I agree with Howard & Mike.........fix the Power steering you have..........although the 4 cyl. motors are a little under powered but as long as your not off road all the time and working the steering allot it should not be a problem........share some pictures of what you have , just to see what your up against........Pictures of the steering gear & mount, the connection from the column to the front of the box........the pump and mount on the motor, the Pittman arm to the spindle.........and a brief description of the problems.

 

There is a reason that most every actually street driven Jeep has been swapped over to Saginaw. I have 8 Jeeps here right now and every one of them has Saginaw on it. Most of the ones that haven't are probably owned by members on this forum though so I am surprised that someone hasn't stood up for the mess that was designed almost 100 years ago.

 

You could also consider going to a manual saginaw setup.

 

Hi, I'm Roy and I have the Ross steering....

 

I have a 66 V 6 Ross in my 64 Tux and it is just fine. I went through every part of the Ross system over time as I learned more about it and my Jeep drives just fine. I have original size tires on it, 750 x 15". Good luck what ever you do.

 

I second, third, an fourth staying Saginaw, whether manual or power. I'd personally fix the power Saginaw setup. My both sons Jeeps are still Ross, but will be Saginaw as we work on them.

 

IMO - damage done, stay Saginaw. The only reason to go with the original Ross steering is to preserve original condition, again IMO. Not only is the Ross steering less durable, harder to turn and less precise than Saginaw, but replacement parts seem to be of low quality. The Saginaw gears were used on (literally) millions of cars and trucks, and quality parts and remans are widely and inexpensively available. Post pics and you'll get some good suggestions on how to sort the existing steering. Members here have lots of experience with these conversions.

First post - welcome from Boston!

 

I still have Ross, but I hate it. Saginaw conversion is on my wish list, but I have 2 in high school right now so no funds available.

Lots of Saginaw conversion info in here:

Saginaw power steering (pics) please add yours!!

 

My 2 cents on the Saginaw vs Ross dilemma...
My dad's Jeep is a mostly stock 69 CJ5 with a V6 & no lift, tires close to stock size. It's got low miles and the steering components are in good shape. It drives quite well, easy to steer and not a tremendous amount of slop.
My 70 CJ5 with a V6 has 2 1/2" lift and 31x 10.50 tires on 8" wheels.
I fought the stock steering for years....rebuilt the box, installed Walcks tightsteer, added a one piece tie rod. It was just a bitch to steer, especially off road. I finally went to a Saginaw box and I'm much happier.
So in a nutshell, stock Jeep, stock steering is OK
Modified Jeep, go ahead and get the saggy setup.

 

The more excited we get about fancy tires, the less excited we get about Ross steering lol.

My 65 is bone stock and steers well enough with stock tires and Ross. I put bigger BFGs on my 57 and converted it to Saginaw a year later lol.

 

The bigger tires only showcase the deficiencies that are built into the Ross system.

 

Just my 2 cents , my Jeep(s) is a combo of a 59 CJ5 , and a 53 M38A1 , no idea why
somebody did this . Has Ross box out of the 53 , which I have been told is more robust .
Running P235/75/R15 tires , it drives very well , and I have very little play in the system .