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SOA steering question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Skullhead, Mar 24, 2006.

  1. Mar 24, 2006
    Skullhead

    Skullhead Member

    Delaware
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2006
    Messages:
    53
    I will be purchasing a 69 CJ5 soon. It has spring over done with a hacked up steering setup. I am more familiar with 76-86 and was wondering how would I add a "drop pitman arm" if its possible on this. I need to take another look but if anyone had advice up front that would be cool. thanks
     
    Skullhead, Mar 24, 2006
    #1
  2. Mar 24, 2006
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    The factory steering setup will be completely unsuitable.
    The best thing you can do is to swap in Saginaw steering, like the 72-86 CJs, including the one-piece tie rod. Does this '69 have a V6, or a swapped-in V8? If so, then you can go power, or manual steering. A dropped pitman arm will work on the saginaw box.
    If it has the D27 front axle, you can get a 2-hole knuckle arm from an old wagon to improve the drag link attachment point. Or you can swap in a Dana 30. You may also want to consider a tie-rod flip, to the top of the knuckle arms, by drilling out the taper and installing a reverse-taper insert. This will help to eliminate bumpsteer.

    Do a search here for Saginaw Steering. Also look on our tech pages (click the banner above)
    Read up on your options, then come back with specific questions...
    Welcome aboard from south-central Pennsylvania!!
    Got pics?? :)
     
    lynn, Mar 24, 2006
    #2
  3. Mar 24, 2006
    Skullhead

    Skullhead Member

    Delaware
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2006
    Messages:
    53
    I'm glad I found this site, like I said with older CJ's I'm not as familiar. Sorry no pics yet. The body and frame are solid though which was a surprise.
    As far as the drivetrain, it is the 225 with fender headers, I guess the Dana 18, and ? as for the tranny but it all seams to be stock. The rear axle looks like a 44 but not sure and the 27 for the front I believe. It has just a spring over with new factory springs and a bent up and welded drag link. I have some full width Dana 44's with 4.10 and discs out of a 76 J10 that I think I will swap in there and be done with it.
    Thanks for the advice on the steering, I will convert to power steering with the axle swap. I wonder if the steering box out of the J10 will work? Since I have one still. thanks
     
    Skullhead, Mar 24, 2006
    #3
  4. Mar 24, 2006
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,474
    Bit O advice... Check the ratio on the stock axles. If they are 4.88's they are worth a finding a buyer if you want the full width... Personaly, I am putting in a full float for the rear 44 and will someday put a custom 44 up front... With the 4.88's.

    As long as you don't go over 31" tires, the stock axles do just fine (IMOP). You can put a Warn OD in and it will run 75 with no problem.
     
    Warloch, Mar 24, 2006
    #4
  5. Mar 26, 2006
    Skullhead

    Skullhead Member

    Delaware
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2006
    Messages:
    53
    I may bring it back down to stock height, the perches are still attached. I am not to sure on the ratios, they could be 4.88's, it does seem low geared.
    Also, it has the power steering box brace on the frame, would that have been there originally or did someone start putting ps on?
     
    Skullhead, Mar 26, 2006
    #5
  6. Mar 26, 2006
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    Not stock as the original steering would be back in the engine compartment.
     
    Mcruff, Mar 26, 2006
    #6
  7. Mar 26, 2006
    Skullhead

    Skullhead Member

    Delaware
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2006
    Messages:
    53
    Yeah I didn't think it was stock, it is the same brace that I replaced on my CJ7 with a beefier one. The guy I am getting it off of has all the steering parts to do the swap he says, so I'll see what I will do with it once its home.
     
    Skullhead, Mar 26, 2006
    #7
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