69 c101

Hey guys,

Been a while but I am back. I picked up a 69 commando with the v6. Got a few questions

1. The steering wanders horribly. What is the best fix if I don't do a conversion?
2. I would like a small lift, suggestions?
3. It is an automatic, what is the shift pattern? Not sure it has a park. Just reverse, 3,2,1.
4. It is a metal top, where can I find a soft top that isn't an arm and a leg?
5. Anything else to look for? I will post pics soon! Good to be back at earlycj5.net

 

Just saw your post on FB, didn't get a chance to respond.
1- All totaled there's eight points of wear in the steering. You'll need to determine where all that wear is. Tie rods ends, drag link sockets, bell crank bushings and the bell crank itself, pitman arm and the box. Fortunately all the parts except the pitman arm and parts to rebuild the box are available. Should be some good boxes available with all the people converting to Saginaw. I'm in the middle of stripping a 67 with what so far is a really good box if you need one and hoping to be coming through Knoxville some time in September but more on that later.
2-Park is fully forward and has a detent in the shifter mechanism to hold it. May be worn or just a matter of adjustment.
3-ebay, Craigslit, etc for a used one.Haven't check prices but I think you're looking in the $1500 range for new.
4-Due to the geometry of Ross/Gemmer steering and the bell crank they dont take well to lifts. One of the early CJ guys may be able to help with that. One of the other reasons people convert to Saginaw.

 

Thanks for the info. I plan on going through it today and making a check list. I realize it is a project, but I have a space in my garage for it to live this winter...

See you had a 74 DJ that was sharafied. I built a Sahara edition DJ 5 back in the early 2000's and sold it to a kid in KY. Any chance you have a pic of yours?