Steering!!??

[uh60chief]

I have a 1969 CJ5 4X4, I love this jeep but the I can turn the steering wheel almost a half rotation before the wheels respond. The tie rodds are good and tight. Is the problem with the steering box? I am having a hard time finding one. Does anyone know if I can use a different year box? Any help would be greta! Thx

 

[CJ]

:ww: to our site.

Check out these links on the Ross steering that you should have on your 69 CJ (as long as it has not been converted to another steering type).

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/ross-steering-gear-info-needed-3943/

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/issues-1967-cj5-steering-box-1136/

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/power-steering-conversion-62-cj6-11090/

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/powersteering-conversion-11479/

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/anyone-have-idea-improving-ross-steering-12814/

 

[Sasquach]

I have a 1969 CJ5 4X4, I love this jeep but the I can turn the steering wheel almost a half rotation before the wheels respond. The tie rodds are good and tight. Is the problem with the steering box? I am having a hard time finding one. Does anyone know if I can use a different year box? Any help would be greta! Thx

CJ gave you some good info to study on but the short answer is NO unless you are in for a pretty involved modification. Even then much of your problem may lie in the axle steering knuckle bearings.
I would start with wheels and work back to the gear checking and repairing as needed, raise the front wheels and try moving by hand to check for play.
The knuckle bearings are very small and not built to take the beating they see in over 40+ years of service as in your case.

 

[uh60chief]

Thx that helps a lot. I should add a little more. I can grab the shaft coming from the firewall that comes from the steering colum that goes into the steering box and I can twist it and it has the same amount of play as the wheel. All this is with the engine on or off and weight on the wheels. I am new this kind of.problem but not totally ignorant to vehicles. If this helps identify the problem.a little more please let me know.
Thanks again

 

[Sasquach]

The steering wheel is directly attached to the shaft via splines and nut so it makes perfect sense the play in the system would be the same. The engine has zero effect on your manual steering so that tells us little.
There are a lot of moving parts in your vintage system and if you want it right you will have to go at it one step at a time. Do you have the factory shop manual for your machine? If not it will save you many times over.
Jeep Universal Service Manuals - Shop, Owner, Maintenance and Repair | Faxon
The one for your year is what I use.

 

[spidersnake]

I have the same poblem. my steering box is trash. have someone hold the steering arm on the steering box when you turn the steeringwheel back and fourth if you have play before the arm moves try adjusments per your book.You may need new parts to fix the box. my box is spent ballbaerns and seats are dameged beyond reapair along with the steering gear.Im goin to fab something new. good luck.