Steering advice

I've got the famous and loved CJ loose steering.

For starters, 1975 CJ-5, 304, T15, D 20, manual steering, 4 inch lift springs, 35 inch super swamper boggers

In my case, it was exactly as bad before the lift as it was afterwards and, thankfully, my lift came with shims.

I tossed a double steering stabilizer on before I did any research on it. Of course, it didn't help.

The steering shaft could turn 20% withoutout moving the tires.

I replaced the lower shaft copupler (plus it's ring, bushings, etc), but it still has plenty of play in the shaft.

I took the rascal to have the alignment done, including toe-in. No love.

here is where I need your advice.

I have a shiny new saginaw power steering box (don't remember the casting number), a couple of power steering pumps, some new, some used, including one mounted on a bracket from a 304, and hoses.

Would I be better off if Iget a power steering shft for the CJ and attempt to convert it to power steering? Or will Ibe better off to replace the manual steering box with one that is a direct replacement?

I assume that if the tie-rod ends, bearings and so on are all right or else the shop would have wanted to make more money

What do you guys think I should do? You ahve all the experience lol

 

Power steering was one of the best things I've done to my rig. I have a 4" lift and I'd have to say mines a little squirrely on the road. Not bad, but noticeable. Plus, with PS you can get by with a smaller steering wheel and gain some leg room.

 

Same here. I put a new steering shaft with new turnbuckles at both ends. ($186 with shipping), it helped a lot. Added power steering a believe it or not the "play" in wheel was more noticeable but a joy to drive. I know you young "studs" like to westle with manuel steering and 12 inch wide tires but us old folks don't. It drives A LOT better even on the road but it makes you pay attention when it tends to "wander".
"Don't force it! give it more gas"

 

Actually, I don't want to wrestle with it. I'd rather drive it without needing clean underwear when I get out.

 

Morris 4x4 has the steering box in stock and I have to go to that side of town to get my alternator bracket done anyway (that's right! I am putting on an internally regulated Delco alternator since I can't get a voltage regulator for mine anywhere around here... one wire, here I come! woo hooo!)

 

JMO - I don't understand how anyone who drove those Jeeps new would not opt for PS, and even PB. It's great. If you can do the conversion easily, go for it.

A Wagoneer is probably the best source for the pump and brackets. The PS box will bolt to the 3-hole bracket (for manual steering) but the stock PS came with a heavier 4-bolt bracket. A brace from the PS box to the opposite frame rail seems a good idea...

 

I'm actually taking a break from the job right now. I've got the old box on and a bolt in the new one to hold it in place while I attach the steering shaft (I came in to get a beach umbrella to get some shade).

I looked at my PS box when I compared it to the MS box and it won't work at all. Way too different. I didn't have time to hunt down a PS box and heard of too many different donor possibilities. It's funny, I sure seem to trust you ahead of most folks after all the good information you've given me, so, when I come back to this, I'll look for equipment from a waggy.

All I want right now is to be able to steer it without scaring myself to death