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.