Cj6...Help

[neilferguson]

A month or so ago I bought a CJ6 with a ford V8,4inch lift , power steering and 33by12 tires and when I first drove it wandered around like a drunken sailor even at city centre speeds. I put it into a steering/suspension shop as I was unable to do the work myself at the time and $1500 lighter I picked it up and have driven it 700km in 2 days interstate (13 hrs driving). It is better but still unnerving over 40mph when it wants to go walkabout.and this makes for long drives .The power steering is finger light with a small steering wheel even after erwducing the tire press. to 27psi as per advice I read on this site.
I can now work the car myself and intend to pass through the steering/suspension advice on this site..but before I start .. basic questions.
What safe max speed should I be able to get from the jeep presuming I set up the steering/suspension system correctly? Do I have to lower and reduce tire dia etc to get say 70mph ?

 

[the chief]

Need new tires?, it can make a world of difference. Because of the short wheel base I don't drive my CJ5 over 60 mph, and that's with new radials.

 

[neilferguson]

Tires are in very good condition..loads of tread ...also mine is the 20inch longer wheel base CJ6 ( 1974 model) so should cruise more stably than the CJ5 if set up correctly..I hope.
All advice welcome..

 

[neilferguson]

Tires are 33 *12.50 R15 LT 1080....

 

[BusaDave9]

My CJ5 has a shorter wheel base and bigger tires and I can go 70 without a problem.
It sounds like you have free play in your steering. Check out this link:
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/
Or it could be slop in the shackle bushings. When the jeep is sitting still move the steering wheel back and forth to check how much free play you have before the tires turn. I once drove a flat fender that had terrible wander. It was caused by bad shackle bushings. As you turned the steering wheel back and forth the axle actually moved back and forth before the wheel turned. It wasn't much but it was enough to cause the wander.

By the way you have a nice CJ6 . If you don't mind I'm going to post some of your pics

 

[dalefan88]

thats a nice jeep

 

[Out of my mind CJ5]

have you checked the u joints in the column? they might gove you some play also

 

[jeepy]

I agree with BusaDave about the shackle bushings. Especially if you have the stock width springs (they are very hard on the bushings).
Also setting the caster. A shop probably would not do anything to correct your caster basically because they can't just adjust it.

You should be able to drive 70. But you gotta remember it's a Jeep, not a Porsche.

 

[neilferguson]

many thanks..I am reassured by comments above that once I give it a detailed workover ( using the excellent post referenced above ) then I will be able to have a practical safe car I can drive at 70mph without changing tires/lift/steering......will get stuck in shortly ( after the seasons revelries )....