Drove the CJ today on its maiden voyage (to me.. anyway).

OK... I fuel and drove the Jeep today... you guys are right, drive it first and then see whats need to be done.

Got it up to 45-50 for about 5-10 miles - ran it in second in town to get a higher RPM and "de-carbonize" it. I looked at the plug when I got it home and they are now nice and clean and even on the little lean (whitish tan). All plugs are the same so that's a good sign. The jeep track really well on the highway but the steering is too loose for my taste. I will need to re-do the steering components. I suspect the knuckle are not bad otherwise I suppose it would drive all over the place right?

I also talked to an old timer living on my street. He remember driving these after the war... he was a bit emotional about it. I told him I needed a PVC and he said - no you don't - look here and hold and behold the PVC valve was connected to the intake manifold and a big bell on top of the engine cover via a T connection. He also pointed out that my water pump bearing could be "better" but not leaking yet so not to worry too too much he said.

The battery is no hell - so will change that and I have to learn to start it - I tend to give it too much choke for the weather (I think?). It starts OK but its touchy to keep it going until it warms up.

All in all, a good day. It was a blast to drive - I wave at a few people and took my time trying to get use to the non sycro mesh first gear and pressing harder on the break pedal than I'm use to (its not my Honda). I really like the fact it drives like a truck and its not trying to hide its utilitarian origin. Definitly a keeper.

Pierre

 

Congrats. There is nothing quite like driving an old Jeep. jeep toss

 

CONGRATS! I remember the feeling!

 

Congrats! Took me about two years before I drove mine, and it was worth the wait. Welcome to the addiction.

 

Yaa! First drive. And to have an "ol' timmer" give you a few tips is as added bonus.

 

Congrats on your first drive!
Regarding your steering, remember you are dealing with a system designed in the 1940's. It will never be "tight" like steering in a modern car. Make sure all components are in good condition (including steering knuckles & spring bushings), but it may just be a matter of getting used to how it drives.

 

Congrats. You may want to invest in a Tight Steer for the Ross box. Should be some threads on it someplace here, this one from 2A Page
http://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/tight-steer-report_topic23168.html

 

Yes I have seen the Tight Steer and plan on buying a unit- I know I have to do the Bell Crank (I can move it by hand), the tie rod look solid with no play. The Ross box will be open partly due to the greese nipple from PO.

 

good that you got to drive it but:uwop:

 

Search this site for the tight steer. It was discussed before. Opinions were mixed as I recall.

Seems to me if your bell crank is sloppy, etc, there is no reason to go "aftermarket" until you get the stock set-up into specification.