Steering issues

69 CJ5 225 32"BFGs on 15x10 rims...no lift. Steering semms sloppy and sometimes doesnt want to turn to the right.

 

Is a '69 the Saginaw or Ross box?

 

A '69 has Ross steering from the factory. It would only be Saginaw if converted. A popular conversion though.

Not a lot that can be determined from the info you've given us. You might want to ut the front wheels off the ground and look at everything closely, from the steering wheel to the ground. Have a helper sit in the Jeep and turn the wheel back and forth while you look and push and prod. Try to localize where the looseness and binding is coming from. Realize there are a lot of moving parts in a Jeep front end, and you could have more than one problem. Ross steering gear, bellcrank, steering knuckles - all common wear points and often in need of repair.

 

Wow, tough crowd.... Tim has the only option. You got to see what all the pieces are doing.

 

on the bright side.
at least it isnt very hard to fix.
just rebuild everything.*





*at least thats what i had to do.....

 

We're inhibited - political topics are not allowed here! :tea:

 

My bad. Was hard to pass up. Won't happen again. I promise!!!!

 

Oh, I think you're well within bounds. But a start down that path causes ... a pause...

 

x2 replaced mine with saginaw

 

Yes, Political discussion not allowed as it gets out of hand very quickly. Not what this site is about.

I'd suggest doing a "dry park test". That's when you have someone gently turn the steering wheel back and forth and check for play in all the steering components. From the steering wheel down to the wheels. Anywhere there is play, that indicates wear that needs attention. Don't limit yourself just to the steering components though. Spring bushings, axle to spring mounting U-bolts, wheel bearings, trunnion bearings/ball joints, frame, etc. can all contribute to steering issues as well.

 

Wow! You guys,and or Gals are on top of this stuff. Wont have to go far to find info on my Jeep.

 

i am not a welder/fabricator so i went with rebuild/replace the ross
and it works great.

 

Don't expect too much out of the stock Ross steering-if you're used to driving a modern car with rack & pinon steering it'll always seem sloppy even if everything is in perfect condition. You have to remember that setup is the same basic design that was used since 1940-it's apretty primitive setup. That's not to say it can't be made to work adequately, but if your plans for the Jeep include big tires, a front locker, or lots of off roading, you might be better served with a conversion to a newer set-up.

 

think tractor
not sportscar

 

When I got my 58 the Ross box was totally broken. I found a used unit with full steering shaft and steering wheel on this site for less than the Ross box parts I needed.
(Thank you Seth!)
So if it is a Ross box either it's fine as is (sloppy) or it can be replaced on the cheap for sure...but yes it will always steer like a tractor!

 

i have ZERO play in my steering.
so it drives like a well maintained tractor.....R)

 

As you have heard already, the best place to start is to get underneath and inspect everything. But, if you have a Ross box it will more than likely need to be rebuilt. I found the parts for mine here http://www.northstarwillys.com/
these folks were very helpful.

 

Yes! My ross system is pretty tight, but it doesn't have many miles on it..

 

As I stated in some threads Im an OTR Truck Driver. Was taking someone elses word on steering. Come to find out it was in 4wd and they just werent use to no pwr and 4wd. Steering seems very serviceable to me. Little PM and it is working fine. THANX