steering play in cj5

rajarch · 08-24-2006, 10:53 PM

how much play should there be in the steering between the steering wheel and the steering gear for a 1975 cj5? I can turn the steering rod 1/8 to 1/4 turn before the gear is engaged, and it feels sloppy when I drive it - is this normal?

SQF1 · 08-25-2006, 12:05 AM

Mine has no play in the wheel at all. I have about a 1/4" play between the shaft and the gearbox. I would say a 1/4 turn of the shaft is a lot of play that shouldn't be there.

dirtbagofva · 08-25-2006, 01:29 AM

mine has a lot of play in the stearing shaft (bad joints) I ordered one for 140 shipped. I found the Rusty's Offroad to be the least expensive. As for the play, check any other vehicle...almost no play.

solitudetree · 08-25-2006, 04:36 AM

You need to check out all the components of your front end. Steering shaft, tie rod, drag link, ball joints, etc. Those can all contribute to the play you have.

You may want to consider upgrading the steering shaft for a heavy duty version like the one Borgeson's makes. The standard shaft just isn't strong enough for lifts and bigger tires. It will allow play to develop much sooner than a heavy duty shaft will.

08-25-2006, 04:36 AM	#4
solitudetree Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 645 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	You need to check out all the components of your front end. Steering shaft, tie rod, drag link, ball joints, etc. Those can all contribute to the play you have. You may want to consider upgrading the steering shaft for a heavy duty version like the one Borgeson's makes. The standard shaft just isn't strong enough for lifts and bigger tires. It will allow play to develop much sooner than a heavy duty shaft will. __________________ [COLOR=DarkGreen][FONT=Century Gothic]All the Jeeps I've owned 79 CJ5 258 six with a weber (current vehicle) T18/Dana20 81 CJ5 258 six (driven out of Alaska thru Canada in winter with a softtop) 75 Jeep Wagoneer 360V8 79 Jeep Cherokee 258 six [/FONT][/COLOR]