Steering 1979 CJ5 Steering Issue

[brucekr]

New to my CJ5 and the forum, but I have a little bit of a drag link clearance issue. The front end has YJ springs over axle swap, and the drag link is hitting the bottom of the leaf spring when turning to the right. There's a drop pitman arm and the drag link has a S shaped bend, but still doesn't have clearance. I've read about high steer options, but I'm wondering if that's really the answer with a spring over axle conversion, and if so, what are some off the shelf options if there are any.
From what I've read here, I can use flat top Dana 44 chevy steering knuckles and have all of my brake and front end components be bolt on compatible. But from the pictures I've seen, I'm not sure that would actually solve my issue or even potentially make the interferences worse. I know high steering is an often posted topic and I've read quite a few of the threads, but I'm hoping that someone can possible point me to a 'simple' solution.

Thanks!!

 

[KRUPP]

Spring over axle conversion. But, curious why they thought they needed a Track Bar? Looks like a steering box brace was added too.

Something is going on with the frame horns in front, because they look extended to allow for longer springs. Different crossmember in front too. I wonder if the steering box is in the factory position? The wheelbase may be extended too? Potentially, you got a lot going on there that has been modified.

They kept the tie-rod and drag link under the steering arms on the knuckles. This works most times, but in your case, the spring pack is pretty low and is causing the issue. You already mentioned the "high steer" solution, which is common.
Another possible solution is to switch to a tie-rod that has a tapered hole in it for the drag ling to connect to. Instead of the drag link going all the way to the steering arm on the knuckle, it's a bit shorter and connects to the tie rod. IH Scouts and early Ford trucks & Broncos had this style called the "Inverted T". This would shorten the Drag Link a bit and help it clear the spring pack at full right steer. You'll probably have to have that setup custom built.

 

[brucekr]

Thank you very much for the response. I took another picture of the front end. Yes, the frame has been extended in the front and some cross bracing added from the looks of it. The steering box seems to be in the factory location from what I can tell. I found this offset drag link from Rocky Road. I read in a post that cautioned against taking that shortcut, but for the life of me I can't find it. What are the cons of using something like the attached drag link as an interim solution until a over the top high steer kit can be procured/installed?
Also, what are the cons of having a track bar? I've heard that it can help with steering stability on the road. Does it limit travel for offroad? My 1990 YJ had quick disconnect track bar, but it was a pavement princess.

Thank you again!!

 

[brucekr]

So the same company offers this OTT kit that bolts to the caliper mount holes. I'm not a fabricator and don't know if I trust someone welding the bracing and extensions for a high steer mod to the cast iron knuckles. And putting in a high pinion narrowed Dana 44 doesn't seem like an inexpensive endeavor. Hoping that maybe I could get some recommendations for Decent->Good->Better->Best options. Right now, it doesn't seem safe to me to even try to drive it with the downward force the rubbing of the leaf would put on the drag link. Seems like it's just like driving around with a pry bar pulling my rod ends apart.

 

[KRUPP]

From the last pic it confirms you definitely have a lot going on there on your front end that’s been modified.
Your steering box is moved and it might actually be higher as well as moved forward.
As for the Track Bar, they weren’t factory on a CJ. An Anti-Sway Bar was, but that’s a different animal and can have the disconnects you referred to. Not sure why there’s a Track Bar on your CJ. Not a big deal, as a lot of leaf spring rigs had them as factory. But, it makes me think they added it to correct something. I wouldn’t be surprised if those front leaves are a lot longer than a YJ’s. You might check them with a tape from eye to eye. YJs are around 43”.

As for correcting the Drag Link issue, I’d stay away from the S shaped ones. Either look at a flat top knuckle for the passenger side with a higher crossover setup for the drag link. Or, both sides new flat top knuckles with full high steer set up with the tie rod and drag link both up high. Or, maybe an inverted T setup.

Look here for some examples…

Dana 44 Crossover Steering Kits

Dana 44 Crossover Steering Kit includes: Billet A50 Passenger Side High Steer Arm Drag Link Pitman Arm GM 1 Ton High Angle Long Thread Tie Rod Ends Chromoly Stud kit NOTE: Steering kits are built to order and take up to 5 machine shop days to build. ***Machine shop only operates Monday through...

www.skysoffroaddesign.com

https://www.jackit.com/mor-9930.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8884863352&gbraid=0AAAAAD_WDWtCRIsRSj0bd8O_TlQwXRGOS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6Mfs5czzkgMVpxmtBh100TsTEAQYAiABEgLW3_D_BwE

 

[brucekr]

From the last pic it confirms you definitely have a lot going on there on your front end that’s been modified.
Your steering box is moved and it might actually be higher as well as moved forward.
As for the Track Bar, they weren’t factory on a CJ. An Anti-Sway Bar was, but that’s a different animal and can have the disconnects you referred to. Not sure why there’s a Track Bar on your CJ. Not a big deal, as a lot of leaf spring rigs had them as factory. But, it makes me think they added it to correct something. I wouldn’t be surprised if those front leaves are a lot longer than a YJ’s. You might check them with a tape from eye to eye. YJs are around 43”.

As for correcting the Drag Link issue, I’d stay away from the S shaped ones. Either look at a flat top knuckle for the passenger side with a higher crossover setup for the drag link. Or, both sides new flat top knuckles with full high steer set up with the tie rod and drag link both up high. Or, maybe an inverted T setup.

Look here for some examples…

Dana 44 Crossover Steering Kits

Dana 44 Crossover Steering Kit includes: Billet A50 Passenger Side High Steer Arm Drag Link Pitman Arm GM 1 Ton High Angle Long Thread Tie Rod Ends Chromoly Stud kit NOTE: Steering kits are built to order and take up to 5 machine shop days to build. ***Machine shop only operates Monday through...

www.skysoffroaddesign.com

https://www.jackit.com/mor-9930.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8884863352&gbraid=0AAAAAD_WDWtCRIsRSj0bd8O_TlQwXRGOS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6Mfs5czzkgMVpxmtBh100TsTEAQYAiABEgLW3_D_BwE

The front leafs are 43" from eye to eye. The rear are 45".

Yeah, I will definitely try to find a better solution to the drag link and steering issue. Thank you again!