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80 CJ7 Drifts Across Lanes, Steering Help

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3.5K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  lyv2ryd  
#1 ·
My 1980 CJ7 (leaf springs) drifts across lanes like a boat. It doesn't feel like it's pulling, it just has a mind of its own and slowly drifts (always left) while I hold the wheel straight.

I have taken it to three mechanics and get three answers:

1) Steering column (shaft) is loose/shot and need replaced and he tells me I need a track bar and steering stabilizer.

2) The next guy tells me I need the steering shaft needs adjusting and I need a sway bar?

3) He scratched his head and said he will get back to me. THe gear box needs adjustment but he doesn't know what goes on the jeep (track bar or sway bar).

So it seems like I likely need a new shaft, possibly gear box. But, do I need a sway bar, stabilizer, or track bar? As I understand, a track bar is for coil springs, no leaf springs. Any ideas to keep my ride in line?
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the welcome.

When it drifts left, I turn the steering wheel right a short bit before it seems to catch.

About the track bar, I went looking all over for a track bar and haven't seemed to find one for an 80 CJ7 and everything I read says the CJ7 did not come with a track bar.

I think the easy way is incremental. I have more votes from mechanics on steering shaft than anything else so I will replace it first and see how she handles. If she is still drifting, move to the next step (whatever that will be).

I have to say, it is a little freaky when she drifts over, it is not sudden, but it can make you clench up a bit in traffic. You definitely have to stay on your toes.
 
#5 ·
CJs didn't come with track bars because the leaf springs keep the axle centered on the frame.

YJs ('88 and up) had panhard rods which are essentially track bars. Panhards certainly weren't necessary on the leaf sprung YJs. But, it did make it handle better on the road for all the high school girls that were driving them when they were new (Suzuki was also popular with the teens). They also kept the insurance companies off Chrysler's back for the above reason.

Also, sway bars (or more correctly, anti-sway bars) are not mandetory on a leaf sprung Jeep and my CJ didn't have any! So, not having one (or two)doesn't mean you're going over as long as you're driving at a safe speed.

Give us some more details on your suspension and running gear. Is it sprung under (like it came from the factory), spring over (makes for great articulation and a more lift but handling can suffer)? Do you have a locking differential up front?

My old CJ was sprung over, no sway bars, with full width Chevy axles stuffed with Detroits and sporting 15.50" wide Swampers. If anything drifted, this one did! I once had to remove the rear drive shaft because vibration killed the u-joint. The 12 miles I drove home in front wheel drive took 10 years off my life. The Detroit would VIOLANTLY throw the Jeep to the left or right depending on throttle input. Plus, the extra wide tires would really try to pull left if there was a significant crown to the road.

Assuming your CJ is stock, and sits level, I would start with a fresh alignment after making sure your tie rods are still in good shape. If you've got aftermarket wheels, are they overly wide (10-12")? Do they have too little backspacing?
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the input. The CJ is sprung under with a 4" lift and 33s for tires. There is no anti-sway bar on the front. It looks like I have a mix of issues, the first being worn out tie rods. I have new tie rods on the way. I think that and a good alignment will help out greatly.

The next is a little play in the gear box. The bushing around the steering column is practically gone and there is a lot of play in the steering shaft around the column.

The gameplan for now is to replace the tie rods and the bushing in the column, get an alignment, and then slightly tighten the steering gear box. I hope to have all that finished before the weekend. I will keep my fingers crossed.