Safety First!

This might be dumb question. I have a 1973 cj5 with a amc 360 v8. I want to know what can I do to make this thing more safe on the road. I know that safety on the road comes from the driver's skill. I know how to drive, but what I want to know is what can I do with the suspension or wheel's or what ever to make this thing easuer and safer to drive. I have heard that they will roll over at 22 mph turns? Will geting wheel spacers help? Any advise would help. I have to small childern that I want to feel safe in leting them ride in it.

 

I applaud your concern and recognition of the unique handling characteristics of the typical CJ5.

Make sure all of your ball joints, tie rod ends, spring bushings are in good condition. If you're not sure when they were last replaced, plan to change all parts that can wear common to the steering and suspension. This will also include proper wheel bearing adjustment. I don't recommend the wheel spacers. Your driving technique is absolutely the single most important factor in maintaining control of the vehicle. Take it easy with the accelerator pedal in ALL situations. Never turn the steering wheel quickly even at low speed. Don't brake hard especially on loose surfaces, like gravel or dirt.

I personally would never have a CJ with a V8 engine because I know how fast they can get away from you. I've driven V8 powered CJs and knew that I was probably over my head with the machine each time. I have owned two CJs with 6 cylinder engines and find that a 6 cylinder is bar far the best power source for a typical driving / offroad machine.

These are just a few ideas, and I hope others will add to the list!

 

roll bar
seat belts
good steering
good brakes
common sense
really all you need

 

All good suggestions. Let me make one more that I predict will be very unpopular.

No lift.
Factory sized tires.

Any lift will raise your COG and make you more susceptible to roll-over.
Wide tires will reduce the lateral Gs needed for roll-over.
You can't escape the physics of these two issues. Big meats and a high stance will reduce stability on the pavement - no way around it. Weigh the risks and choose.

 

I'll agree with all that has been said. Contrary to Consumer Reports, the CJ is not a death machine that is ready to flip over and kill you. That being said, they are not like a normal car. And a 360 is a big motor for a CJ. I'd say you need to spend a little time and money on the above suggestions.

However, I'd do one step futher than a roll bar. I am building a CJ6 with stupid big tires and an even stupider well built 401. But it will have a full roll cage that is tied to the frame. If I ever roll it at highway speeds, I am building it to stay together and protect my family. I will use a 4 point harness insted of the normal seat belt.

Common sense is the number one requirement and to be careful a close second......

 

Thanks for the great responses. I don't want a lift at all. It has alittle bit wider tires than factory. One thing that really worries me it the steering shaft has been welded. I want to replace it to make it safer. Since I have to change it, what is safer? would changing to power steering be a good option. What about the steering from a 79 cj5? Do I need to replace leaf spring or just get good shock absorbers? I Know how to replace stuff and do mechanical work, i just don't know what to replace or what it's called. This is a learning experince, I just hope it's a good one.

 

The factory steering in a '73 is excellent if in good condition. No need to go power steering unless you want the power assist.

 

I have seen sway bars added to older CJ's also. And I totally agree with the above advice.

 

What about the (weld), is that something I need to worrie about fixing. It is welded at the first knuckle coming from the firewall. The knuckle is not welded but it is welded to the steering collumn shaft. If it need to be fixed, How? You guy's are great, thanks for the quick respones.

 

Welding on the steering parts is not a good idea, generally. There is a universal joint near the firewall - I presume this is what's welded. Maybe it was welded to keep it from turning on the shaft? Pics would help.

 

if that were the factory u-joint it had a set of splines as well as the shaft it's on.
If it needs to come off, grinding off the weld solves that.
cut your way in, weld your way out.

 

It looks like a plate was welded between the shaft and the joint. The joint hits the headers when i turn any way to fix that as well. any Ideas?

 

Anyone know if there is a smaller U joint i could use.

 

common sense -jpflat2a


Jim-why are you always picking on me!!!!!!

that above pick is very scary and not safe at all.

 

Good shocks make a big difference. I need a new set myself.

 

What kind of shocks do you recommend for the cj5. Will 76+ shocks work on a 73 cj5.

 

How Can you tell if a jeep has a lift or not. I mean small, like 1 or 2 inches of course?

 

the rear shackles look longer than stock....

 

..

 

Somthing looks non stock. It might be the camera angle. Might be the tire size. But the rear shackle is not stock. It looks homemade. What does the front shackle look like?