Steering Column Rebuild

Good evening, Have the jeep torn down and while waiting for some nice weather to work on the chassis, thought rebuilding the manual steering column and replacing the steering shaft u joint would be a good idea. Is there a rebuild kit for the column? bearings and bushing ? Can the u-joint be purchased or does the entire shaft joint need to be purchased. Any suggestions on the best way to go about his would be appreciated. Been looking around an cannot seem to be able to hit on the parts. Thanks, Dave

 

Hi Dave - Year, equipment of your Jeep? It matters quite a lot. Suggest you put that in your profile and in your signature file, so that it's present in every post.

Assuming you have a '72-75 example, the bushing at the base of the column tube is being reproduced. Unlikely any of the other parts are being reproduced specifically for these Jeeps.

Be cautioned that aftermarket parts support, other than engine and driveline parts, for the intermediate examples '72-75 is not very good.

You can buy a replacement bell coupling between the steering gear and the shaft, but the quality of that part may be lacking. Borgeson makes a replacement steering shaft complete that replaces the lower parts of the shaft. This is not a service part per se, but instead an upgrade to the existing shaft.

If you need specific service parts, the best way to find them is to buy the '74-80 Jeep factory parts book, and look up the factory part numbers. If a specific part is available, it should be listed online by its Jeep part number. Realize that nearly everything changes for the 1976 models, and parts are typically not compatible across that boundary.

 

I'm in the middle of the same project for a buddy's 73. So far this is what I've found.....
I believe I caught a post here that the 72-75 upper bearing is the same as the 71.
The horn button "kit" is still available as is the contact brush.
Not sure about the contact itself on the column.

 

Hello, I have seen steering column parts on Barney’s eBay store, however, you may want to call him. He is very helpful.740 947 7030 good luck.

 

I know it needs a lower bushing, there was a thin remnant of what looks like a brass bushing. I would be looking for the upper bearings and bushings, although not sure what it's going to need because I have to get the steering wheel off yet. I have seen the complete steering shaft coupler but thought the universal joint could be replaced. Thanks for the replies

 

Got the column apart. Would like to put a picture of what I've got but keep getting the error banner.