Hello again...

Howdy! (again). I'm the new Jeep guy that bought the 1953 M38a1 Army Jeep a couple of months back. Remember me? 8) Anyway, I'm still kicking around and I have a couple of questions for people in the know. Firstly, I have about a 1/2 turn of play in the stock steering system. Would replacing or rebuilding the steering box fix a lot of that? A couple of guys in an off-road club here had never seen a steering setup like mine and they weren't sure what to tell me. Anyone here familiar with this style of steering? Perhaps I can post a picture a little later.

Second -- Has anyone here replaced the shackels on an older Army Jeep such as mine? The shackels I have now are origional and rather odd looking compared to the "H" style I see on other CJ's. Mine are kind of a "C" thing with lots of little bushings and rings all over. Any expierenced readers in here?

Also, anyone happen to have a set of front indicator lights that would fit a CJ-5? All of the Jeeps in the junkyards around here have pretty much been picked over and I don't feel like spending $40 for a pair out of a catalog.

BTW, so far, new wheels (white Jeep wheels), new rubber (BFG 235-75-15's (couldn''t believe how much it helped the handeling of my jeep!, new plugs, wires, belts, garage tune up, battery, filters, degreased and refilled the transmission/transfer case, rewired some of the electrics and installed a brake light switch with lights and other various little things to fix some of the rattles in my buggy. This week, new exhaust and then finally body wook and paint.

Dondo

 

Dondo: There are several places to adjust the steering....First get a buddy to watch as you turn the free play of the steering wheel. There is an adjustment at the steering box, and both ends of the draglink. You can also have play at the bellcrank and tie rod ends (This would require replacement). Always be sure to check your steering after ajustments before you drive tit on the street.....sometimes you can over adjust (probably worn out)!! Good Luck!! Glenn

 

willys

Glad to hear from you again. You can get any question answered here and this is "the" website for early jeep info. You probably have a lot of play in the belcrank (up and down movement) that equates to steering wheel movement. I agree to have a buddy turn the wheel (rapid back and forth movement)while looking and feeling for play at all connections. Watch your fingers. Most all parts are avail online or on ebay. As for your shackles you can replace the old style with a newer style using the bushings and H type shackle. It works I have it on my CJ. 8) Welcome from Texas!! :hurrican:

 

Thanks guys...I'll try the steering/buddy thing this weekend and it's good to know about the brackets!

Dondo

 

use poly bushings on the springs. easier to install than the factory.