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Jeepster Steering Swap Onto Cj5 D27

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by truckee4x4, Dec 2, 2021.

  1. Dec 2, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Hi guys - I did a quick search but didn't turn up much, although I may be searching for the wrong thing....

    I'm wondering if anyone has swapped around the steering parts on their D27 CJ5 to go from the stock setup to the long "knuckle to knuckle" tie rod found on a 1966-1967 Jeepster? I was talking to @timsresort about this and he said it might be possible, and short of power steering might really help diminish bump steer. I wanted to see if you all agree?

    This is from the Advance Adapters PDF on Borgeson power steering:

    Screen Shot 2021-12-02 at 8.55.10 AM.png

    I have the stock setup:
    UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_84c3.jpg

    I'm wondering if I can get the long 40-1/8" tie rod (and move the center "side hole" tie rod end over to the RH side knuckle, and span the long tie rod from knuckle to knuckle?

    The question is - will this part (RH tie rod end for CJ5) swap out for this part (RH tie rod end for Jeepster)? And will this Jeepster tie rod do the trick?

    Sam also sells a tie rod kit but I hope I can re-use the new ones I already have. If I can pull this off, will it help enough to make it worthwhile? Or would I also need to consider doing a tie rod flip?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Dec 2, 2021
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    I believe that you can make it work, I did a similar modification on my CJ3B about 40 years ago when i put a manual Saginaw steering box in it.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I had to shorten the drag link by about 2 1/2" but this was for a 3B so your 5 application should be okay. The Moog drag link DS-111 was for a CJ5 application.
    [​IMG]

    The tie rod long tube connection for the Jeepster will be close, maybe even just a bit long? I got mine from JC Whitney in the early 1980's when I did the modification
     
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  3. Dec 2, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

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    Single piece tie rods are a popular mod, I went to one for my power steering conversion, albeit with a two hole knuckle. Depending you may have to shorten the tie rod & drag link & re-thread them- just make sure you cut the RHT end off- 11/16" reverse thread taps are scarce & expensive :(

    http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/149115/#post-1687562
     
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  4. Dec 2, 2021
    Steamboat Willys

    Steamboat Willys Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I am planning on this steering swap for my D27. I am going to use a 2 hole knuckle and do a tie rod flip at the same time.
    A 2 hole knuckle is not necessary. I think the 72 and later CJ's used the correct TRE for a single hole knuckle
     
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  5. Dec 2, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Do you guys think I can use the center tie rod I already have or do I need the Jeepster specific one?
     
  6. Dec 2, 2021
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    I would think that moving he center to the right hand side is possible.

    In the AA pdf diagrams they show the right side Tie Rod End installed so that the offset is protruding forward in both the bellcrank setup and the Saginaw setup. This would be the Jeepster application TRE.
    https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicl...-end-socket-ross-fits-66-71-jeepster-commando

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I used the CJ style TRE that the offset is protruding rearward.
    https://www.kaiserwillys.com/passen...g-tie-rod-end-socket-fits-46-71-cj-2a-3a-3b-5

    [​IMG]


    My setup on the CJ3B clears the shock absorber when turned full lock, but it is extremely close. My rods are perpendicular, with the drag link rod sloping slightly upwards towards the Saginaw box pitman arm. I got the box mounted about as far forward as possible, so if I had used the Jeepster TRE the rods would have crossed and bound up. My Saginaw box and pitman arm came off a Jeep CJ5.

    You could remove and disassemble your existing setup and mock up the modification by putting your center TRE into the RH knuckle, put the other TRE's into the bellcrank and LH knuckle and RH TRE. Then use dowel rods and duct tape or something similar to temporarily connect the components together and see how things checkout for angles and clearances to determine what may be reused and what may need replacing.
     
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  7. Dec 2, 2021
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I think you will need the long (jeepster) tie rod because neither of the stock rods is long enough to go all the way across. If either needs to be shortened, I have the 11/16" tap you can borrow. I also believe there are 2 different double rod ends. See how OzFin's bends in toward the shock, and the diagram shows it bending out? Looking at your links from KW, it's the Jeepster one that bends out. (it's all coming back to me now). I will dig around this weekend, I might have some examples.
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2021
  8. Dec 2, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Yea I will definitely get the Jeepster tie rod. Seems like a good idea to at least try and see if I can use the parts I have. Sam was kind enough to build me a parts list of everything needed if I was starting from scratch.
     
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  9. Dec 2, 2021
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Nice. He's good, and thanks for supporting my little bro'!
     
  10. Dec 2, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Here it is for anyone else looking to do the mod:

    32F88FF8-5DED-4601-AC35-10ED6C84965E.jpeg
     
  11. Dec 3, 2021
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

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    I have an original D27 that came out of my 1969 (titled as 1970) Jeepster/ Commando that was used with the factory Ross box and bellcrank setup. You can see in the picture that the RH factory original TRE is the type that the offset protrudes forward.
    It is in storage but I'll try to pull it out this weekend and get the various measurements and post them up here for you. It will be interesting to see if there is any difference between factory Jeepster/Commando measurements and the parts listed to adapt this setup to a CJ.
    I suspect that they will be the same.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2021
  12. Dec 4, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Looks like it “might” work, but I’ll need a slightly longer tie rod tube as the RH one from the stock setup barely threads on both tie rod ends.
    F7143796-9033-4BF8-8638-ABA4D0CA9782.jpeg
    the spring clearance is less than 1 finger though. Which makes me think that reaming for the tie rod flip and moving them up will be the way to go.

    Interestingly - flipping will allow the stock center two hole tie rod end, if placed on the top on the right hand knuckle. to protrude forward so I don’t need the Jeepster one I bought from Sam because it would face backwards if installed on top.

    AFEE872A-F7A7-4524-9005-4A57786B0125.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2021
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  13. Dec 4, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    So I’ve got this loaner reamer thanks to @jwzeber. He suggested using a drill at low rpm’s.

    Beyond that does anyone have any advice for me on that procedure if I go for it soon when the inserts arrive?
     
  14. Dec 4, 2021
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    When I did the tie rods on my 44, the inserts were straight on the outer diameter and tapered inside. So you just drill the knuckle for the insert. Are these inserts you are getting tapered inside and out? Also, I wouldn't worry about the spring to tie rod clearance too much, I don't see how it can get any closer, or touch.
     
  15. Dec 4, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Interesting…so maybe I can leave it and all I really need is a slightly longer tie rod tube?
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2021
  16. Dec 4, 2021
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Yeah, I think so. I have the same setup, it doesn't touch. If anything, when the springs settle, and get flatter, there may be more clearance.
     
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  17. Dec 4, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Gotcha. If I do go the flip route, these are the sleeves I got:
    https://ok4wd.com/rock-equipment-tie-rod-flip-sleeve
     
  18. Dec 4, 2021
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I see, I was not aware of these. Cool product. Tapered inside and out, makes sense to me now.
     
  19. Dec 4, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  20. Dec 4, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    No, can you share a link?
     
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