Top of the steering column '66 CJ 6

[TroyaCantrell]

Can anyone post a picture of what the top of their steering column looks like that would be the same as my 66 CJ.

I am not at home and looking for replacement column, the top of mine is just open with a spring like thing sticking out. I can find a good picture online either but isn't there suppose to be some barring cap on there or something?

Mine sounds like it is grinding rocks when you turn it.

I have had other steering issues and just going through them one at a time.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Do here is what mine looks like, should there be a top cap with a bearing?

 

[tarry99]

Do here is what mine looks like, should there be a top cap with a bearing?

Troy

Did you ever think you were going to have this much fun?????

First of all looks like someone put an aftermarket steering hub on there like a Grant with that Black accordion like trim cover..........the bearing is that little crude looking sheet metal part that is pressed in the end of the round tube column........there are loose ball bearing in that sheet metal bearing race.
Very crude but that is what Willys used...........you have to be careful as the bearings will fall into the shaft.........I'll scan a sheet on those parts and include.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

You don't even know how appropriate that is!

I knew there would be a lot to do, but i will have to admit it was a bit more then i anticipated.

I don't really mind the work, it's why i bought a '66, i knew it would be a project, and that is what I wanted. I want to be proud of it when I am done.

I looked all over online for that dang exploded view, thanks for that. It is an aftermarket wheel that is . so now I have to decide if i rebuild the whole thing or replace the column.

I will have to rebuild the box that is for sure and replace the pitman arm. I don't trust the column though. Like i said it sound like it is grinding rocks. lots of rust in there too. i will eventually want to go with power steering but cant swing that right now. So thought about the flaming river column and keeping the rebuild Ross until i can do the rest of the power setup.

i still need to research how the flaming river column connects to the Ross box though or even if you can do that.

This is the part i saw online that I though should be on the top of the column.

 

[tarry99]

You don't even know how appropriate that is!

I knew there would be a lot to do, but i will have to admit it was a bit more then i anticipated.

I don't really mind the work, it's why i bought a '66, i knew it would be a project, and that is what I wanted. I want to be proud of it when I am done.

I looked all over online for that dang exploded view, thanks for that. It is an aftermarket wheel that is . so now I have to decide if i rebuild the whole thing or replace the column.

I will have to rebuild the box that is for sure and replace the pitman arm. I don't trust the column though. Like i said it sound like it is grinding rocks. lots of rust in there too. i will eventually want to go with power steering but cant swing that right now. So thought about the flaming river column and keeping the rebuild Ross until i can do the rest of the power setup.

i still need to research how the flaming river column connects to the Ross box though or even if you can do that.

This is the part i saw online that I though should be on the top of the column.

Troy

No problem on the picture..............The Flaming River Column will not work.
Simply because the Ross steering shaft is one piece and attached to the worm gear in the Steering box......you would have to Gut the Flaming River column and it would be no good to you once you were ready to make a Power Conversion.
I would piece back together what you have.........Get an Original black spoke steering wheel and call it a day.

Drive it that way until your ready to go Saginaw and a new column.
I enclosed a picture of a No Frills Flaming River column I had them make for my CJ.........in black & tilt w/signals and looks closer to original that most of them larger bulky versions out of passenger cars.
Also there is a photo of my old column and the bearing race......My old column would do you no good since I cut it down years ago to do the saginaw manual box.........I probably have some of the old innards from the top if you need them but the bottom was changed when I cut it and a torrington bearing was installed to support the new shaft.
You can also use the top half of that column in its original look and form if you wanted to...........but of course there would be no tilt or built in signals.
I wanted to do that when I installed the Power steering but the old 17 inch steering wheel was getting in the way of my stomach........so I opted to change it out and go to a 14" wheel.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Thanks, that's what I couldn't confirm, how to connect the end of the FR column to what would have to be a short shaft with the worm.

I think i will do just what you said, since I still have some play in that pitman and everything from there forward is new I will just freshen up the box, new pitman, replace the wheel and call it good for now. That makes it safe which is the biggest issue.

Thanks for the offer on parts, I will see how it all goes.

I owe you a cold one or two for all the help, your just down in the bay area if I remember correctly. I'll have to get down that way and pay it back.

Thanks again.

 

[commo man]

Troy,
I recently did a complete overhaul of my Ross Steering Box. New sector shaft, pitman arm, bushings, & bearings. Also a new drag link with hardware, and bellcrank/w bearings, bushings and 7/8" shaft. Well, the jeep was going to be a mill of the run deer lease vehicle. After seeing all the corrosion and repair on the frame figured it best for complete off frame restoration. Purchased a new frame from Throttle Down Kustoms in Montana. Throttle down would not fit it for the push-pull drag link or bellcrank setup. The frame came with saginaw brackets welded on frame. If you are interested in any these parts, let me know.

 

[TroyaCantrell]

Troy,
I recently did a complete overhaul of my Ross Steering Box. New sector shaft, pitman arm, bushings, & bearings. Also a new drag link with hardware, and bellcrank/w bearings, bushings and 7/8" shaft. Well, the jeep was going to be a mill of the run deer lease vehicle. After seeing all the corrosion and repair on the frame figured it best for complete off frame restoration. Purchased a new frame from Throttle Down Kustoms in Montana. Throttle down would not fit it for the push-pull drag link or bellcrank setup. The frame came with saginaw brackets welded on frame. If you are interested in any these parts, let me know.

What an offer, really appreciate it but I finished doing the rebuild and install this weekend! Haven't drive it yet even.

I still need to update my build thread but here is a pic. Back to a stock steering wheel too.

Thanks Again.