An Old Cj5 And New Confused Owner..

Hi Folks,

A few months back I got my hands on an old M606A2 (A military version for export markets) from 1967. It has a F-134 Hurricane. It is a 97% CJ5 based on my research. The general condition is a 6 out 10.

I want to make it roadworthy, reliable enough to for a sunday ride to fetch ice cream with the family. No looking to make a full restoration or anything like it.

When I got it, the engine started fine and was able to ride a couple of laps around the block, before the engine cut off and die. After a few minutes cool down (around 10~15 minutes) it would turn on ready the repeat the cycle. I then proceed to change engine oil, replace coil for a new one and rebuild the carb (carter) and fuel pump. Both need it badly. After that the engine starts and run just fine for as many laps around the block I want. ;-)

A little background on me...

I live in Guatemala, Central America, 45 years old, and I'm somewhat mechanically savvy, and know my basics (mostly..) on modern motorcycles.. :-(
Finding my way around the old jeep has been and adventure in itself. I mean, a mechanically operated fuel pump, what a concept! All modern cars and motorcycle should have one, instead of those finicky electric ones....

Now, there is an issue I don't know how to approach it, and I was hoping you guys could share some advice..

The steering is crap, I mean CRAP! The steering wheel is way too hard to steer. I'm know these old cars are supposed to be somewhat hard to steer especially if compared to modern ones, but this one is another thing. I need to put so much pressure on it to steer it that I that is makes cracking noises and frequently couldn't make a complete turn around the corner. I need to stop, reverse and wrestle the steering a little more to make it complete the turn. My wife is not able to drive it mainly because the steering if WAY TOO HARD.

Any idea of what should I begin looking for? I see all that components, brackets, etc, I'm frankly lost. No such things on a motorcycle...

Should I be looking at the steering column or it might be further deep, maybe at the wheels?

Wow.. that was a big first post!

I'll appreciate your help and advice folks.

Regards,
Mane

 

welcome to forum
there's alot of information on the Ross steering
I need to put so much pressure on it to steer it that I that is makes cracking noises
I would suspect another area that might need attention . is the steering knuckle bearing
a Factory Service Manual FSM would be a good place to start

 

Changed out most of my M38a1 with GM parts. Power steering and power brakes. I also upgrades to the GM 1995 4.3 ltr TBI motor.

 

Welcome from Oklahoma! As Ron said, the Ross steering was outdated in the 50's, it is the Achilles heel of the early CJ5s. And the closed knuckles on the Dana 27 front axle need lots of maintaining also. You can rebuild the ross box if you can find the parts, or you can upgrade to Saginaw steering which is what AMC did in 72.



Saginaw Power Steering (pics) Please Add Yours!

 

Bienvenido Mane -

There are a lot of moving parts in the steering of these Jeeps. These parts wear out, and owners often neglect needed maintenance. The condition of the front axle also strongly affects the steering.

Suggest that you may need to start at the axle ends and go step-by-step back to the steering gear, repairing as you go. I'd start at the knuckles, then move to the bell crank, then the drag link, then the steering gear.

There is a book for you to follow, the "FSM" or factory service manual. There is a FSM for all Jeeps of this type, plus a supplement for the M606A2: M606A2/M606A3 (CJ-5 MODIFIED) MILITARY JEEP MANUALS - - Original Reproductions LLC - Yuma, Arizona (just an example - there are many sellers of these books).

 

I would start by jacking up both front wheels, and then have a helper play with the steering wheel. See if you can isolate where the main resistance is happening.

 

Thank you very much Folks, thats a lot information to build up on, I might start looking for a service manual ASAP.

Will take a closer look at each part you mentioned and start taking things apart.

Will be posting pics to get your advice as I go...

Regards,
Mario

 

The first place I would venture is the knuckle bearings. I have never owned a closed knuckle axle that didn't need new ones. 2nd in line in my playbook is lube in the Ross box. If there's none, or it's dried out, it's a bear to turn under load. Third is the bellcrank. Again, lube. Fourth is the tie rod ends

 

Oh, and welcome!

Frank

 

The binding and cracking noises make me wonder if you could have a busted axle shaft joint.

 

Is this the service manual I should get or are there better options? this ones is $40.00...