How to improve road manners on a 65 CJ5

[scoletta]

I have a basically stock set-up on my project jeep. Tires are not oversized, leafs are new but stock replacements, and there is no lift. This will be used both on and off-road (mild..not rock bouncing).

I want this to handle better on highway so I can drive it to go off-roading. Any advice on cleaning up its road manners so I do not scream like a girl at highway speeds when I hit a bump or get passed by a semi????

 

[duffer]

First, make sure the steering components are all up to spec. A Ross box set up can work but there are a lot of pieces that can wear and they usually need intensive maintenance. The usual suspects are the Ross box it's self, the bellcrank needle bearings, and kingpin bearings. A Tightsteer in the Ross can eliminate some of the slack there due to the pin wear and in my experience, the bellcrank needles only stay tight for 12 to 15k miles. The kingpin bearings can last forever if properly adjusted and lubed but that rarely occurs. Other items are wheel bearings, tie rod ends and the draglink ends, the latter can be adjusted but once the balls are no longer round, it needs replaced.

Once you get all that in shape, and assuming the brakes are in proper working condition, look at shocks. For a dual purpose machine, something like the adjustable Rancho RS 9000's work very well. Set them soft for off-road and stiff (to limit body roll) on-road.

You don't say which brakes you ended up with. The V6's came with 10" but I believe the F head version still had the 9". Both will work but only if everything is near perfect. The cheapest real fix is swapping in 11x2's and there should be a lot of threads on that, especially at the Early CJ5 site and also likely on the 3B Page.

 

[tarry99]

I have a basically stock set-up on my project jeep. Tires are not oversized, leafs are new but stock replacements, and there is no lift. This will be used both on and off-road (mild..not rock bouncing).

I want this to handle better on highway so I can drive it to go off-roading. Any advice on cleaning up its road manners so I do not scream like a girl at highway speeds when I hit a bump or get passed by a semi????

All of what my Friend Duffer mentioned above..............but I just do not feel it is even worth spending the time or money on an antiquated steering system such as the Ross style steering.......unless you just love working on it, have the tools, or are just a Jeep purest..........

Don't get me wrong there are several folks on this site that care for there Ross steering systems in a meticulous manner and it works fine for them.

But lets face the fact's when AMC bought Willys in 1972 the first thing there engineering dept did was ????.....Yep, Fix the steering! They did not do that to save money they did it to save lives............The Saginaw systems in its many forms has been pretty much the standard for the last 6 decades except when using a rack & pinion.........

Plenty of write ups on the net in how to convert..........but keep in mind there are also allot of other things throughout the complete system that contributes to a good or bad handling Jeep.........the steering is just the first.

 

[duffer]

One more item: if the spring pin bushings/shackle bushings are worn with some slop, no matter how good the rest of it is, it's going to have poor handling.

A lot of people install a damper on the tie rod and those do provide a bandaid to help limit wandering. But it is a bandaid and the real problem/s should be addressed. IMO, those dampers are supposed to only limit feed back on the steering wheel.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

With respect--
It's a JEEP-CJ
Just get under it with wrenches in hand ck'n ALL bolt/nuts etc.
Make sure your tire psi is the same on all 4.
Also-Have the front end ck'd at a real alignment shop to be sure it's within spec for camber, caster and toe-in.
LG

 

[duffer]

With respect--
It's a JEEP-CJ
Just get under it with wrenches in hand ck'n ALL bolt/nuts etc.
Make sure your tire psi is the same on all 4.
Also-Have the front end ck'd at a real alignment shop to be sure it's within spec for camber, caster and toe-in.
LG

Yes a Jeep, but there is no reason they can't safely travel at freeway speed with good brakes/steering/suspension/tires along with a good dose of common sense. Assuming of course it isn't 134 powered, in which case you don't have to worry about such things.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Yes a Jeep, but there is no reason they can't safely travel at freeway speed with good brakes/steering/suspension/tires along with a good dose of common sense. Assuming of course it isn't 134 powered, in which case you don't have to worry about such things.

My Jeep is a DD and sees the f'way almost daily.
Just takes time and $$$ to get it there, and keep it that way.
LG

 

[CJim7]

I used to have a 65 CJ5 .....there's no way to make it less scary on the highway

 

[mstar]

I used to have a 65 CJ5 .....there's no way to make it less scary on the highway

There are many ways.The lack of drivability is on the technician.
mike

 

[Lumpy Grits]

There are many ways.The lack of drivability is on the technician.
mike

X2 along with understanding CJ's have their own 'ways'. Even more so in a 60's, CJ5 .
The short/narrow wheelbase is the biggest detriment to good highway 'manners'.
LG