Ross Steering

I have a lot play, what parts do you think I need to replace
Cheers

 

Three most likely culprits are...

1. Bellcrank - pivot on front frame cross member in front of the engine.
2. Tie Rod Ends
3. Steering Sector in the steering box

Have someone work the wheel back and forth (in the "slop" range) while you watch for worn parts and sloppy movement.

 

There is an upgrade for the bell crank that you can do.

 

How hard is it to upgrade to the Saginaw for my 68 cj5

 

So hard there is a thread dedicated to it. Just kidding a bit. Many of us with limited knowledge and tools have done it with the advice from the experts here.

 

Lots of info here.Saginaw Power Steering (pics) Please Add Yours!
I'm in the middle of the same project on my CJ3B.

 

There’s always this too.

Ted's Steering Upgrade, With A Twist

 

Check kingpin bearings and wheel bearings while your in there.

 

Here's what I think you're probably referring to, Garage Gnome: This Mornings Machining Project

Mcruff built one of these for my brother-in-law's '67 after the Ross box had already been rebuilt. The upgraded bellcrank eliminated most of the remaining play in the steering system.

As Tim E indicated, before you start making repairs or upgrades, it's best to have someone work the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the various components to help you identify where the slop in your particular Jeep's steering system is.

 

does anyone know what size of shaft my 68 cj5 would be, iam thinking its the 1 1/8

 

The bellcrank shaft on the cross member in front of the motor or the sector shaft in the steering box? If a V6, the sector shaft would be 15/16". Bellcranks varied quite a bit, that might be tough to guess without taking it out and measuring.

 

its the v6 dauntless

 

I have an OEM NOS 1-1/8" steering bellcrank kit.
Fits 1971 Dauntless CJ
PM me if your interested in it

 

i found a old but new bell crank in my parts, i have a lot of slop in the steering and i think its the bell crank, i started taking the old one off and was wondering how to get the ball end off.

 

In the end of the drag link (rod that goes from steering box to bellcrank), there is a threaded plug with spring and cup...usually a cotter pin securing it as well. It has a large flat screwdriver slot so you can unthread it. This will allow the rod to be separated from the ball.

 

Do I take that slotted plug all the way out

 

Welcome from Michigan. No you just have to loosen it until the ball will come out of the hole, it should fall out when loose enough. I would replace both ends of the drag link while you have it off. If the bell crank moves up and down, put a kit in it too. Someone makes a tapered bearing Bell crank for C J 5's that looks great, I would consider one. I replaced my Ross steering on my 64 with a 66 donor Jeep Ross steering, The 66 is a bigger steering box, and it only had 27K miles on it, I rebuilt the drag link, and the bell crank, and the tie rod, and added a steering shock. My 64 134F head drives as good as new as far as I am concerned. Good Luck.

 

Thanks