Steering Play

salesman98 · 08-19-2002, 10:59 PM

We just purchased a 1978 CJ7. It has had a engine change to a 1986 Chevy Blazer K10 262 V-6. The previous owner had also used the steering column from the Blazer.

There is a lot of play (about 3 inches either direction) in the steering wheel before the jeep will turn. After that it is fine. The wheel always is loose (with the 3" play) when driving down the street, so it never wants to go one direction very long -including straight.

The Jeep had a new M.O.R.E. Steering box brace installed.

Here is another problem: the steering tube in the engine is really "jury-rigged". It starts off being about 1" in diameter and as it goes closer to the steering box it shrinks to about less than 1/2"....really unstable. The shaft can be wiggled back and forth, as it really has no way to hold it in place.

Is there a solution that anyone knows of that I can use? I need to find a way to rebuild the steering system.

Thanks!

cjryder · 08-20-2002, 08:44 AM

I have play in my 75 cj5 steering also. If you grab the steering shaft and twist it back and forth, you should be able to see if play is in the u-joints of shaft or in the steering box. Mine will rotate both directions before the tie rods begin to move. That means new steering box to me. While I'm at it, it's getting new ball joints and polyurathane bushings. Should tighten it all up. Good luck.

LS1CJ5 · 08-21-2002, 10:55 AM

Cjryder,
That sounds scary. My 5 had about that when its box was bad. I'd have to say for safety, try and find the stock column if you can. If that's too expensive then a custom shat from Borgsen(sp?) would fix it. They'll charge you 200 or more for the shaft. That part isn't cheap cause it's Real! important. Either way it's a couple of 100.
Check the box for play too. I replaced my 79 Cj's with a 73-74 Trans Am box. Now I have 2.5 turns Lock to Lock. It's great in the woods.

Larry M

LS1CJ5 · 08-21-2002, 11:01 AM

Sorry, that last reply should be directed to Saleman 98. His Cj has the same design of steering as my Cj,,,, if it's power.

and Cjryder,,, my 75 knowleadge is a little rusty. I've only had a 55 CJ 5 and a 79 CJ5. I can help on those 2 models.

rebelcj7 · 08-25-2002, 06:27 PM

heres an idea for ya, if you get to the point of replacing it, look for an 85 J20 steering box, they are the same as the agr super box 2.. hth

08-25-2002, 06:27 PM	#5
rebelcj7 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 44 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	heres an idea for ya, if you get to the point of replacing it, look for an 85 J20 steering box, they are the same as the agr super box 2.. hth __________________ Big n fugly 78 cj7.. built baby built 51 willy's in the process... MoROC Presidient

08-20-2002, 08:44 AM	#2
cjryder Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: wild west Posts: 116 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have play in my 75 cj5 steering also. If you grab the steering shaft and twist it back and forth, you should be able to see if play is in the u-joints of shaft or in the steering box. Mine will rotate both directions before the tie rods begin to move. That means new steering box to me. While I'm at it, it's getting new ball joints and polyurathane bushings. Should tighten it all up. Good luck.