Bearing - Parts for 73 CJ5 Steering Column

Hi All,

This is my first post on here - so I'll use it for an introduction as well. I've had a 73 CJ5 for about a year now. It was in pretty good condition if you didn't look too close. I've put in new spring bushings and shocks this year, and just tore into the dash to sort out some electrical issues (having gas and coolant temp gage issues). Next big job will be an engine rebuild - I get 8 mpg, and it burns a lot of gas too. My first vehicle was a 79' J10 w/ an inline 6. Great vehicle to get in trouble with.

While doing this I've noticed that the top end of the steering column tube is trashed. It looks like the bearing may have slid down the tube, or maybe a seat is missing for the wheel to ride on. I've been searching for posts and parts and not coming up with much. I saw a couple about conversions, but want to stay original and hoped someone might have some info on a source for parts. From the Technical Service Manual, I'm looking for the Bearing Assembly (Upper Tube), Bushing Assembly (Lower Tube), horn Contact, and Seat & Spring (for the top of the tube for the wheel to ride on??).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I've seen the upper bearing assembly at some Jeep specialty sites...check the sticky on the top of the Intermediate forum for a few links. I can't remember which one I saw it at though. I don't remember seeing any of the other parts though.

I think that some of the parts that you mentioned are interchangeable with the DJ steering column...if you can find one in a salvage yard. If you can't find what you need you can also post a "wanted" ad in the Classifieds forum here.

And of course there is always ebay and craigslist.

 

Some of this stuff is available from the aftermarket. The rest you'll have to find from wrecking yards, private party sellers, or fabricate the part. Don't expect everything to be available from the aftermarket, especially for an Intermediate Jeep.

The easiest way to find this stuff is with the part number. Google "Jeep <the part number>". The parts manual is available as a reprint. I looked up some of the numbers for you:

column top bearing 801422 - definitely available. Listed through '71, but it's correct through '75
column lower bearing 999769 - not available AFAIK - but it can be made pretty easily
spring 639191
spring seat 639192
horn button parts 930673 927413 990395 - didn't get any hits on these, but there must be a source for the horn button parts.

 

Also, the DJs (postal Jeeps) used the same type of column, although no guarantee it will be the same length. The DJ column can be found used, and it might be easier to take the parts you need from a complete junk DJ column than to try to find all the individual pieces.

 

Tim, thanks for the numbers.

Could you give me a specific name for the parts book you have? I have the Technical Service Manual which shows the exploded view of most things, but no part numbers. I haven't seen anything online that screamed "73 CJ5 Parts Manual."

 

If you go to http://oljeep.com/edge_parts_man.html you'll get one that screams '74 parts manual...which should be almost identical in terms of interchangeability...even if the parts numbers changed. It has the diagrams too.

 

Tim... great advice about the bearing fitting up until 1975!

 

Glad I could help!

 

I had to buy it. It does not cover '73, but I know what's different between '73 and '74 (almost nothing).

Bishko offers this one - More Information for BISHKO 401 - no experience with it. I have this one: 1974-1980 Jeep J-Series Factory Parts Book - despite what the web page says, it covers all Jeep models. Looks like this book is also available on CD-ROM from Bishko/RockAuto.