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Jeepster Steering Swap Onto Cj5 D27

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by truckee4x4, Dec 2, 2021.

  1. Dec 5, 2021
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I tried using the OK 4WD inserts on my D30 but they were too small. I went the same route you did on your 44.
     
  2. Dec 5, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Truckee CA
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    @Howard Eisenhauer you are correct - I do need to cut down the 35-1/2" tie rod tube down a bit - the tires are splayed out when the tube is twisted all the way "aft" and the tie rod ends are sucked in. How do I determine how much to cut off of the RH threaded end?? If I need to cut it 1" shorter, could I cut 0.5" off of each end? How much length of the threads of each tie rod end need to be inside of the tube?

    I 'm going to look at that Moog #DS911 part for the RH tie rod to drag link connection.
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2021
  3. Dec 5, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I'll check today for the length but it's easy enough to figure out - remove the tierod, get both tire pointed straight ahead and measure the distance between the TRE ends, ; take the measurement & add enough to cover about 2/3's of the threaded stems on each end & that's about how long you want you pipe.

    Not suture about the threaded portion, really as I said before the best way is to cut the right hand thread end & re-tap.
     
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  4. Dec 5, 2021
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    I am considering a similar upgrade on my 67 CJ5. This one is a bit of an oddity in that it has two hole knuckles on both sides.

    The Jeep steers okay as it is but there is some wobble at higher speeds, and already having the two hole knuckle makes the conversion easier. The Ross box on mine is in good shape so I probably will keep that setup for now.

    I haven't seen one with those knuckles on both sides, anyone have any clues about that?
     
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  5. Dec 5, 2021
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    I got to my axle stash late yesterday

    [​IMG]

    Here are the lengths of the Jeepster / Commando factory TRE rod tubes on the original Dana 27

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  6. Dec 5, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Ok thanks - that sounds like a good plan. I have that size tap so I will go that route.
     
  7. Dec 5, 2021
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    South Lake Tahoe CA
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    As a suggestion, after you tap it, cut a new clamp slot with a cutoff wheel, then clean out the threads again.
     
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  8. Dec 5, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    OK so with the two hole knuckle the tie rod I have is 37 1/2". If you're using the a one hole knuckle with the 920536 TRE then you'll need ~ 34 1/2".
     
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  9. Dec 5, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Exactly what I did.
     
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  10. Dec 5, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    My mechanic buddy came by to eyeball my plans before I sliced and diced, and he showed me how to run a string line around all four wheels with four jack stands to get the front wheels straight. then we measured that I’d need to cut 1.5” off the tube, which I did and it ended up at 34-7/8”. I mocked it up and it’s still a bit long, so Howard you are spot on. I’ll give it another trim and cut the slot next week when Jeff Bezos sends me the RH thread tap. 3DFCCA27-9503-4612-91BD-87C9C2F1C14B.jpeg
     
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  11. Dec 5, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    You seem surprised :confused:
     
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  12. Dec 5, 2021
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    A little late to this thread, but I did essentially this tie rod swap back in 1976 on my Tux when I also installed a Saginaw steering box. Jeepsters had nothing to do with it. The only real difference is it looks like you are keeping the steering bellcrank whereas I now had a steering arm (pitman arm) to connect to a little further to the left. Other than the factory AMC (intermediate CJ5) steering box mounts, the only part I bought was a $10 JCWhitney one-piece tie rod, I believe 35" long. I measured this a couple years ago and posted the length here, but don't know how to search for that post. All the other steering parts from the original two-piece setup could be reused provided they were in good condition.
    The original center tie rod link (with the hole for another TRE) is simply relocated to the right knuckle with the new 35" one-piece attached, and one of the original (now unused) TRE's on the other end for the left knuckle. I reused one of the original short tie rods (compete assembly) with both original ends intact to connect the steering box pitman arm to that center tie rod link now on the right spindle (remember that empty hole for a tie rod end? Thats where it goes).
    The only thing you might need to sdjust is the length of your short tie rod that goes to your bellcrank instead of the pitman arm in my case.
    I've repeated this same process at least a dozen times over the years because its so simple and cheap (and very beneficial). Remember, I only need to buy the 35" one-piece tie rod tube. I can't believe those are listed at $72.50. The last one I bought was off eBay for around $25 about 2 years back.
    -Donny
     
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  13. Dec 6, 2021
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    :watch:

    seems like a great factory solution to a factory problem. great thread!
     
  14. Dec 6, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Actually I was surprised that you didn't know the measurement off the top of your head!:clap:But seriously, what is it they say - to paraphrase Ronald Regan - "trust but verify."
     
  15. Jul 2, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
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    Back to the top, for all to see again. Thanks for the great info!!
     
  16. Jul 3, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Right hand drive and left hand applications. Postal and export applications. IH did the same with Scouts.
     
  17. Jul 3, 2022
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    Makes sense, I just had never noticed that on another Jeep.
     
  18. Jul 3, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
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    I haven't seen the TPI mentioned for the 11/16th tap, I figure it has to be 18( Fine thread) now for the other question Left and right hand thread, or one of each?
     
  19. Jul 3, 2022
    fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    High Desert AZ
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    You are correct 11/16-18, or at least that is the stock size, one left and one right. I recently completed this two hole knuckle upgrade and stayed with the Ross box and stock size tubing, along with knuckle stud upgrade. Bought the DOM tubing from Speedway. Purchased left and right taps on Amazon for $20 plus or minus each. I suppose you only need the right if you cut that end. As mentioned here, cut to length, clamp in vise and used an electric 1/2” impact at slow speed and cutting oil to finish the threads. (I could not find anyone here with a lathe) Length wise cut with cut off blade for the clamps, and chase threads. The tie rod is fairly close to the springs, (my springs hinge in the rear, which may be an advantage?) So far this has not been an issue. Even in my somewhat primitive shop the knuckle studs and this steering upgrade were mostly a positive experience, with improved steering results.
     
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  20. Aug 14, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
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    Bought my R/H tap from speedway motors now just need to remove current linkage and begin the mod
     
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