what needs to be replaced?

I just bought a stock '71 (title says it's a '71 but the gas filler is in the back?). It's in pretty decent shape, except there's ALOT of play in the steering. Being a girlie girl, I'm taking it in to get fixed, but I want to know what I'm talking about somewhat, so what should I ask them to do to fix the steering? Anything else I should have replaced while they're down there? Somebody suggested having the leafsprings flipped to give it 4" in height, what do you think?
Also, the brake pedal is so close to the steering shaft that I have to tilt my foot so as not to hit it when I brake. Any suggestions of fixing that?
Any info you can give me would be sooo much greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!!

 

Thanks Mike, I'll mention everything to the mechanic and skip the leafspring flip. I don't want to create anymore problems than what I'm sure will pop on their own! It has big tires on it now, so it's high enough as it is.
As for the brake pedal, no it's not bent that I can see. It's just positioned right smack next to the steering column. I thought maybe they all were in the older jeeps. I guess it's just one of its many quirks I'll have to live with!

 

Greetings Alba, from Boston (currently in Orange CA though) -

I'd agree with Mike re the steering, although I hear that the kingpin bearings (the bearings that support the front wheels on the end of the axle and allow the wheel to pivot left and right) are almost always worn out.

The fuel filler in the rear is correct for a '71. When AMC bought Kaiser-Jeep in 1970, they moved the fuel tank from under the drivers seat to the rear in the middle of the 1970 model year.

Can you post a picture of the brake pedal? We'd also be interested in pics of your Jeep in situ on the Intro page. (You'll see that we like pics here!)

You're better off replacing the springs to get some lift than to use some cheapo mods like spring flips, long shackles, or blocks. Mods like that can be dangerous. Even stock springs will be a lot higher than the old, fatigued, saggy stock springs. A very common thing to have to replace. Espo has pretty good prices on stock and 1" or 2" lift springs. There are a lot of suppliers of replacement springs... ask for recommendations.

 

Thanks Mike, I'll mention everything to the mechanic and skip the leafspring flip. I don't want to create anymore problems than what I'm sure will pop on their own! It has big tires on it now, so it's high enough as it is.
As for the brake pedal, no it's not bent that I can see. It's just positioned right smack next to the steering column. I thought maybe they all were in the older jeeps. I guess it's just one of its many quirks I'll have to live with!

 

I'd be careful about the choice of mechanic too.. 71 and earlier jeeps are quirky and few people understand them.. where are you and maybe our memebers can reccomend someone that is familiar with the early 5's in your area. As mentioned above a spring over conversaion on that jeep is a no-no.. it can be done but it's not adviseable and real lift spring kits for that jeep are not too expensive. It's not unusual for ross box jeeps to be sloppy in the front end but they can be tightened up with a little work. the box is adjustable and the drag link and tie rods should be checked for wear and or replacement.. oh and don't forget the bell crank.


BUBBA

 

jeep

Howdy from Texas!
Hears a thought, just bounce what the mechs tell you by this post to see want the general opinion is. Sometimes mechs try to take advantage of some people.
Welcome to the jeep world. :hurrican:

 

Alba: Welcome from Havasu. Do go to the introductions and introduce yourself.

All the above advice is great concerning your steering. But above all, chose your mechanic carefully. Get as many recomendations as you can for someone that really knows Jeeps.

 

Got it; tie rod ends, drag links, axle knuckles, bell crank and king pin bearings. I live in Salt Lake City, UT. I'm sure you've heard of Moab, UT? It's only 3 hrs from here and I spend almost every weekend there in the summer. I updated my "profile" but I'm not sure what you mean by the introductions page? And soon as I can figure out how to post a picture here, I'll send one of the jeep (it is just oh-so-cute!) and my funky brake pedal. This jeep has soooo many weird things about it!!! Like the fuel tank gauge doesn't kick in till it's at half a tank, and if you try to crank the ignition all the way to the right it blows the fuse, which is okay as it's a good theft deterent. I know, it probably needs some serious rewiring but I kind of like it the way it is. It makes it "custom"!
Thanks again for all your help!

 

Alba: On the "Forum" page, go to "Introductions and Garage Pictures" section.

For posting pics, go to the "Forum Help and Testing" page. Inst. are posted there.

You sound like you'll do fine in owning an "ol Jeep. R)

 

It is normal for the tank to be in the rear on a 71.

Steering on one of these things has so many aspects to it that a competent jeep mechanic would be ideal.

Now, I can't sign someone else up to do work, but there is a fellow in Salt Lake that is an expert in Jeeps and while I don't think he would repair your jeep for you, he might take a look at it for you and make some suggestions.

His name is John Hubbard -- also known as Hubbard's Halfcabs. He has worked primarily on CJ3b's, but the steering is essentially the same on the 3B as it is on your 71 CJ5.

If you are interested in talking to him let me know and I'll send you his e-mail address.