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Steering: 2WD Easy, 4WD Seems Way Too Hard

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Karl Childers, Nov 14, 2017.

  1. Karl Childers

    Karl Childers Member

    I had the Jeep out for a drive today enjoying the improved steering after putting the stock shackles back on. Since the Ross box has been rebuilt it steers very easy, one hand on the highway and two in the tight stuff but with very little effort. Locking the hubs and shifting to 4WD changes the whole ballgame! It becomes really hard to steer. Let me take a minute to say I have another vehicle to compare it to. I have a 1973 Ford F250 4WD that has a manual steering box in it. It takes more effort in 2WD than the Jeep does, I'd kind of expect that due to its size and weight but put it in low range 4WD. and it steers much easier than the jeep. This makes me think there might be a problem with my CJ. Possibly the U-joints in the steering knuckles? Can anyone shed some light on this.
     
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2017
    Karl Childers, Nov 14, 2017
    #1
  2. cadwelder

    cadwelder Member

    How is it in 2wd with hubs locked? Do you have a locking differential up front?
     
    cadwelder, Nov 14, 2017
    #2
  3. Karl Childers

    Karl Childers Member

    It's hard in 2WD With the hubs locked. I'm not sure about the locking differential, I didn't get much history on the vehicle when I bought it. If it is a locker and I jack up one wheel and try to turn it it should not spin, is that correct?
     
    Karl Childers, Nov 14, 2017
    #3
  4. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Sounds like you might have some sort of lsd or locker up front. Jack both front wheels up with hubs locked in (TC in nuetral). Spin one side and watch the other. If the spin opposite then open diff. If both spin same direction then you have some sort of traction device. If the later, put one wheel on the ground and the spin the one in the air. If it turns with effort then you have lsd. If it locks and doesnt turn then you have locker.

    Fwiw I have open front and with ross box and it takes good effort to steer with hubs locked in.
     
    FinoCJ, Nov 14, 2017
    #4
  5. cadwelder

    cadwelder Member

    Karl, I agree with Fino; sounds like you have a locker.
     
    cadwelder, Nov 14, 2017
    #5
  6. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I assume you are using the 4WD on loose surfaces, not pavement? It will definitely bind things up on paved highway.

    Just checking...:)
     
    PeteL, Nov 14, 2017
    #6
  7. cadwelder

    cadwelder Member

    The more I think of it, you may have a welded diff. Most lockers (and I may be wrong on this) don't lock without power going to them. Others here would know better, I'm sure.
     
    cadwelder, Nov 14, 2017
    #7
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  8. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Look under the cover. Take a picture and post it. (Buy a gasket and oil first).
     
    timgr, Nov 14, 2017
    #8
  9. Karl Childers

    Karl Childers Member

    It may be a little while before I have time to try what has been suggested but all this information is a big help. I'll update as I find out more. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2017
    Karl Childers, Nov 14, 2017
    #9
  10. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    Mine has a front powerlock diff and manual steering....it definitely wants to go straight in 4wd!
     
    colojeepguy, Nov 14, 2017
    #10