'70 Manual Steering Slack?

Ok, so I have a '70 CJ5 I picked up a year ago while on leave from Iraq (war savings make for great new toys). I got this so I had a toy I can sink every spare penny and minute i have into it. When I picked up the jeep it had roughly half a full rotation in the steering wheel, made driving it really exciting. So now finally slow enough to do a little work. I pulled the drag linkage and rebuilt it as well as adjusted the box itself. Now down to 3 or 4 inches of play. From what I can see it looks as though this is the slack in the drag linkage mounts as the steering gear arm and bellcrank turn the drag linkage. So I guess what Im asking is this. Is there a way to get the rest out? I understand it's 40yrs old and isnt going to be perfect but I thought I'd ask. Thanks for any help. This is only my second or third post but Im sure there will be lot's more next weekend, thats when I replace the wiring harness. (Did I mention I have never done vehicle electrical?)

 

try tightening up the bellcrank and/or replacing the bearings in it. i couldn't really understand what you're trying to say when you explain what you're seeing, but i know that there was a lot of play in the bellcrank at the huge bolt that holds it onto the frame on mine when i got it. tightened it up and turned about 40* of slop into 20* of play. i should still probably rebuild my drag link (can see some play in it) but i'll live with 20* of play for awhile.

 

with new parts you can get down to 1/2 inch or so of slack. check all of your tie rod ends for slack, you can get a replacement needle bearing kit for the bell crank, tighten each end of your drag link until they just move on the ball smoothly and make sure you grease everything.

chances are that you have some wear in the steering box, all parts for it can be found but can be expensive.