Lower u-joint on steering shaft toast?

(1975 CJ6, lifted, 33's, fiberglass body, fenders and hood, stock manual steering set-up)

Welp, took the clan for a nice trail ride yesterday and on the way home, whilst navigating down a windy (wine-d, that is) mtn road the steering seemed to lock up!

I got onto the binders and had to really yarn on the wheel to get it to turn. I finally got down to the bottom of the road and found a place to pull off, clean my shorts and pop the hood to try and diagnose the problem.

I started at the firewall and moved down towards the front. The upper u-joint was fine, I tried twisting the lower steering rod, lots of slop, my eyes came to rest on the lower joint. The rubber boot was displaced and a "C" clip or retainer of sorts was dangling there. I quickly realized that this joint was the problem. I inspected the rest of the parts down to the steering box and everything else appeared normal.

I tried to pull the joint apart to see if it was totally broken, but it seemed that is is very sloppy but intact.

Now I need to replace it. Is this an opportunity to upgrade? I did a search and read lots in the "saginaw steering pics" thread. Is the "Murphy" custom joint the best way to go? If I want to buy an OEM replacement where can I get one? Will the local auto parts store be able to help me? How much should I plan to spend? Should I be worried about other connected parts breaking?

TIA!

 

With a Jeep, everything is an opportunity to upgrade! I believe you may find that u joint (OEM type) at 4 Wheel Parts Hardware www.4wd.com IMHO don't waste time doing any kind of manual steering conversion, go to power steering or just fix what you have. I would think that a '75 would already be manual Saginaw anyway. Other sources for steering parts: http://www.flaming-river.com/enter.htm http://performanceunlimited.com/steering/ As you can see already, there is a lot of info available on this site.

 

I would repair what you have.
You might need the bell coupler (housing) if it's worn inside.
I think I would replace the coupler, the 2 bearings inside, the retainer, and the boot seal. This is a easy repair, do it yourself.
Be aware there are 2 different spline sizes for the coupler between manual and power steering; the innards are the same.
Check the lower shaft as well to make sure the small cross shaft on it isn't damaged/broken as well. The bearings fit over the cross shaft and ride up and down inside the coupler.
Don't forget to liberally apply grease to the inside of the coupler and components.

 

Thanks guys!