Steering Question

I have a 72 CJ5 and I was just wondering what the best ways to tighten up the steering are. The feel is quite sloppy even for an old jeep. I would like to hear what you guys think the most common causes and fixes are. Thanks alot.

 

lots of places to start....
have a friend turn the wheel while you crawl underneath and watch the frame, spring hangars, tie rod ends, steering box mount, steering shaft from column and u-joint, etc etc
the friend should only turn the wheel till the feel of the freeplay is gone
all of the above can cause loose/sloppy steering

 

X2 with jpflat2a, I just went through the same thing and my play was about 45 mph safe. Anything above that was white knuckles if you know what I mean. My steering components under the Jeep were fine including the steering box. I then concentrated on the shaft and column, I determined the lower coupler was assembled without the spring that keeps the square bearings (lack of technical term) seated within the race. My other problem was the universal joint located in the steering yoke on the upper end of the shaft. It was totally shot with only about half of the needle bearings left inside. After changing these two parts and a slight adjustment to the steering box I ended up with good steering. I actually drove the Jeep 65 mph the other day and felt comfortable for the first time at highway speeds. Here's a couple of pics to better explain what I replaced. Good luck!

 

I agree with the rest. I thought my steering box was shot, but after going through each link I found it was fine. Start with the upper joint - rotate and see if any play is there. Then the bottom coupler. Next hold the Pitman while rotating the input shaft on the box. Do all this ever so slightly and concentrate on play. Just the slightest play in these can seem large at the wheel. Lastly the tie rod ends. If you can eliminate what is tight and only replace what is sloppy, it's a rather cheap fix. I'm doing new rods, ends, drag link, coupler and u joint for about $120.00. About $70 less then a new box.

 

:iagree: Start with the obvious; cracks, loose components, ect., then look for hidden things as described. Good luck!
(TonyC, is that a factory option on your clutch linkage?R) )

 

Mike,

I was wondering who would notice that "option" first. That was the result of being paranoid after reading several post here one week about clutch bell chase pieces falling off. Mine hasn't broken yet but it seems that whenever I read about something that happens to another Jeep it soon comes my way. I have new parts but I am saving them for when it really falls apart, maybe I will add that to the "must do now" list.......or maybe not! R) Later

 

Tony,
I'm sure your not the only one with special 'options'!R)
Myself included!
(Maybe we should start a new thread with our 'special options' and field fixes! R) R) R) )