CJ5 steering problems

[Markymark]

Hey guys am thinking about purchasing a jeep for pretty cheap and in good condition. problem is the previous owner took a 4' lift and put it over the axle making it a much larger lift. now the jeep won't turn to the right because of the drag link being at such a steep angle. i planned on swapping the leafs back under and fixing the problem but as you'll see in the picture it looks like the perch the leaf spring usually connect to on the bottom on the axle are moved to the top. I like the jeep but am confused what the best way to fix this problem would be? any help would be appreciated thanks guys

 

[IOPort51]

have to cut it off, grind it smooth and weld replacements on the bottom.

How cheap??

 

[Markymark]

he wants $3200 its a dealer so plus all the taxes brings it to about $3500. it needs those leafs switched back, new steering shaft, and heavier duty steering box mount. The lift, tired, wheels, and seats are all brand new. its got the AMC 304 with headers dualed out and a 3 speed tranny

 

[Markymark]

what could i do to get the drag link bar even lower? that way i can keep the lift and get the steering back

 

[tarry99]

what could i do to get the drag link bar even lower? that way i can keep the lift and get the steering back

What year is that?.........If that is a Dana 30 axle up front you could convert the knuckles over to a High Steer setup using chevy Dana 44 flat top knuckles or some aftermarket ones.........steering arm comes off the top of the knuckle which will make your tie rod and drag link more on the same plane.......when doing so you may have to take the dropped Drag Link off also.........hard to judge from here. Also has some extra long front shackles that are not helping the castor and steering out.

Since whoever set that up was not much qualified in doing it correctly , I would go over that Jeep with a fine tooth comb and see what other surprise's & cost await you!

 

[IOPort51]

get rid of those shackles 1st thing.

 

[Petescj]

i can keep the lift and get the steering back

You dont want to keep that lift. Way too much. Looks like 4 in springs with the S.O.A. I like your original plan of swapping the springs back under. That is what will fix the steering. Id ditch those shackles like IOport said and you can do the high steer as well after you drop it. What are you looking to do with this Cj? Thatll give us all a better idea if its even worth it. More pics and info will help even more.

 

[Old Dog]

Since whoever set that up was not much qualified in doing it correctly , I would go over that Jeep with a fine tooth comb and see what other surprise's & cost await you!

After seeing what they did in the front, I would be afraid of anything else they did. Myself I would pass unless your ready to throw a lot more money and work at that cj.

 

[dschwab]

That amount of Lift on a SOA and some pretty sweet home made shackles..... You definitely should take it back down to SUA and get some stock shackles. But like everyone else has said I would be weary about what else was done incorrectly.

 

[Markymark]

Yea think I'm gonna pass on it, thanks for all the info guys! Found a 87 yj in perfect shape for the same price so I'm gonna get that instead

 

[Hedgehog]

YJ that is a serious compromise and a big hit to your manhood, I'm so sorry man. But you might be taking the smarter road. The Jeep is in no way safe to drive. I'd talk the guy down and buy the Jeep instead of buying a simple jeep copy. Sure the old girl needs some work, the shackles need to go, it needs new perches, possibly new shocks, most likely new drive shafts and the PO needs to be hunted down and thrashed...... No, please no violence to the ignorant. ............. Wait a minute, your 18, never mind, my bad.

 

[IOPort51]

Kid, your making the right decision. You can pick up women in a YJ and it will be dependable, maybe even have A/C. get you back and forth to school/work and not be constantly needing time and money. Not just anyone can drive a CJ, it takes a certain talent and a lot of dedication, Oh yea, and money.


CJs are a lot of work and a bit primitive.

 

[Hedgehog]

All kidding aside, you are making the right decision.