CJ squirrely steering

[redtriangle]

Hi all. I have recently purchased a 74 CJ5 . It has a V8 and power steering. No lift kit or modifications. On the highway, the steering is a bit squirrely. It feels as if it might swap ends with little trouble.
Is this normal and if so, is there a remedy to make it more roadworthy?
Thanks for any help.
David.

 

[biohazard cj]

well take into consideration of how short your wheel base is. my 78 does the same thing all the time. you prob also have a early model steering box, (this is all ffrom what i heard fomr someone else) aparently there are two steering boxes for the cjs early model and newer models, the newer ones came out in either 79 or 80 and have a good turning radius and tigher feel. i do not know if this is 100% accurate but i hope it is tho because that would mean i just need to get a newer cj style steering box to get better turning radius and a better feel of the wheel, if anyone else has heard this please feel free to correct me or tell me im wrong im courius myself.

 

[LongHorn]

Hi all. I have recently purchased a 74 CJ5 . It has a V8 and power steering. No lift kit or modifications. On the highway, the steering is a bit squirrely. It feels as if it might swap ends with little trouble.
Is this normal and if so, is there a remedy to make it more roadworthy?
Thanks for any help.
David.

As BioHaz, stated a certain amount of that behavior is just the CJ5 personality. 83" is a short wheelbase. Now if you have loose tie rod ends, worn out wheel bearings,sloppy shackle bushings bad alignment, that's another issue.

 

[IOPort51]

Horn has done a good job of hitting all the where to start bases, I don't know what size tires you are running but its hard to tell you have low tire pressure by looking and it and low pressure , by it self, can make driving an adventure. being short and light with what some people would call a bit too much motor can some times amplify the little things.

notice I said some people not I.

 

[BajaEdition]

A 74 is over 35 years old, I would look into having the steering linkages checked out. Plus as stated, check steering box, one more thing, it is a 83 inch wheelbase, I personally would not drive it over 60, way to short.

 

[redtriangle]

Thanks for the info.
Yeah, I know it has to be a little squirrely, being so short. The previous owner, a good friend/customer of mine said it is always like that. He suggested not driving it over 55 because the 3 speed Transmission is geared so low it winds the motor out.
I will be checking all the steering components. Overall, the rig is in good shape. I don't think that I will be getting too far off the beaten path though until I have gone through the whole thing.
Again, thanks for the replys and info.
David,
Borrego Valley Ranch
Borrego Springs, Ca.

 

[BajaEdition]

well we are going have to check that one out, I love Anza Borrego State park so I am sure we will be wheeling together soon.