Saginaw question

I am not well versed in parts and what works best. I have read here that Saginaw steering is great for conversion projects. Would a Saginaw box from a Jeep CJ such as part number 5673420 be a good pic? thanks a lot. Tony L.

 

LT......I see you have a 1968 CJ and I assume you still have the old stock Ross steering?...........The Saginaw number you supplied is a "Manual" Steering gear box. If your tired of muscling that old antiquate steering around , don't expect much help when changing over to another manual system...............Improvement yes.....but still a bear to turn while on anything other than hard pavement.

I would suggest that you make the step to power steering.........one of the best improvements one can make on that old CJ-5............Saginaw Power will take the same amount of work to convert as would the Manual System excepting the addition of two hose's , a power steering pump and brackets on the motor............There is a section in the forums here that show many conversions and will at the very least give you and Idea of what has to be done......which is:

Convert your existing steering column over by cutting it loose from the old Ross gear, then shortening it and attaching a U-Joint at the bottom with a bushing......a Double D automotive type collapsible steering shaft will be attached there which goes forward to the new steering gear mounted in front of the first cross-member that the radiator is attached to........both front frame horns are normally boxed and then a plate of about 3/8" thick is welded to the left front frame horn where the box will bolt to.........a new pittman arm will also be needed as well as a new Drag Link and Tie Rod..........Takes a weekend to do one as long as you have all the parts in hand...............not hard just takes time measuring and paying attention to the steering geometry while mounting the parts in the correct location's........

 

Thank you for the quick replies. I am not very interested in power steering, I just want to have a tighter steering system. I have rebuilt the entire system from the steering wheel all the way down to the tires and I would still like to see it a little better. Tony L.

 

Have you looked at your suspension? The springs, the shackles, the bushings in all those parts? Even the rear suspension can effect how it drives and steers..........or the bearings in the spherical front axle housing ends? All can contribute to a loose feeling. And just changing over to the Saginaw Manual Box? .........even though one could argue that the recirculating ball system is far better maybe would have a little impact on looseness............but I'm not so sure you would notice it that much since yours has just been rebuilt. Only one way to find out......................Good Luck!

 

I know your looking for new steering but a little fix that may help improve your current Ross system is called " tight steer " Kiaser Sells them. They replace the adjusting screw on the side of the steering box. Just my 2 cents.

 

Great advice from all you. Thank you. I learned to drive in the sixties and now that I am thinking about it I am not so sure that converting would be all that great an improvement considering all that I have already done. Maybe I am just expecting too much. Tony L.

 

The problem with the Ross steering is that it has way too many pivot points. Each one can add a little slop to the feel of the steering. I completely rebuilt every component of mine years ago and was never happy with the results. In the end I considered all the money I spent on it wasted. But others have had better results. I also ran a Saginaw manual box for several years until I locked the front axle, then I had to go power. It all boils down to what you will use the Jeep for. You can get used to a Jeeps "wandering ways" and call it good. Nice looking Jeep, by the way.