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play in front end

play in front end
goode441

goode441

Jeeper
Posts
8
Thanks
0
Location
se ga
Vehicle(s)
1986 cj7 258ci stock motor & gears, manual brks and steering, 4-sp, 32 x 11.50 bfg tires
I just bought a 86 CJ7 yesterday. It has manual steering and a lot of play in the front end. Any ideas on what to look at first, basically is there any one common problem with these cj's and front end play? The previous owner had the bearings re-packed less than 3k miles ago. orig. mileage 85k on jeep. Thanks for any help.
 
Thanks JR, I'll get that info together and put it on..... any idea what upgrading to power brkes would cost(ballpark on straight 6cyl.)? That and power sterring are a must. i have BFG 32/11.50's and steering isn't too bad but p/s would be nice. Bare with me I'm just getting in on this bloggin or whatever this is. Thanks again
 
For the first question... Never hurts to re-pack bearings anytime...

Also I've found the body mounts (bushings, bolts and brackets) have a lot to do with on road stability while driving... But if it is just free play itself while sitting, try to be more specific... I assume you mean free play in the wheel turning back and forth? That steering post i posted is awesome info... Check it through for all kinds of ideas of stuff to check.

As far as ball park on (i'm assuming) disc brake conversion, probably around 600 - 1200 depending on what kit you want and without ever doing it myself, just researching for my front differential, there are a lot of little things to consider.

I am not familiar with your year at all, so not sure really what is a true actual ball park figure. Also depends how you want to do it. Want to go search for parts through the junkyard, and get cheaper, but not a full Kit? Or want to order a full kit of all new components and slap it all on there?

Check out what type diff you have, then start checking on our sponsors websites for pricing. Need help post what diff you have, people can start helping better from there.

:chug:

~ JR
 
No power steering on an '86? That seems strange :wtf:
At any rate, power brakes and power steering are virtually a bolt-on with a few exchanges of parts. best option is to google the heck out of it...it's been done.
I think what you will find out however is that the stock brakes to include the hydrolic system is more then sufficient when maintained and in good condition. Im running 36's and have no issues with braking.
But again, many CJ trim packages came with power brakes...and that will be your source for conversion.

You're front Dana 30 will already have disc brakes...the rear is drum. And it's either a corp 20 or a Dana 44 for that year.
 
CJim7 said:
No power steering on an '86? That seems strange :wtf:
Click to expand...

Kinda what I was thinking too, but not too familiar with that year style, and pretty new to Jeeps myself :cool:

:chug:
 
Thanks for the info all. How do i fix my profile. I want to add details about my jeep to help people who reply. This is my first day on the site posting. How do I post a picture. I tried when I was setting up my profile and it said the image was too large. Be back soon. Thanks
 
I had a mechanic go over the steering and his recomendation was to change the steering gear box. He also didn't recomend tightening the gearbox because it may lead to return problems with the wheel. Any suggestions? Should I try tightening it about 1/8 of a turn and see or just replace it all together. I found one on-line for $268 brand new. All the bushings/tie rod ends/steering universal etc. were in good shape and the wheel bearings seemed ok and without much play, they had very slight play up on the rack. Also, my uncle has a 83 cj and tightened his gear box. I noticed the steering play lessened but the steering is much harder than mine.



2nd question
Any suggestion on a 3 in. suspension lift as far as which would be best for road handling purposes. Thanks
 
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