Just no easy way to fix lax steering...

I have about 1/2 turn of play in my 1953 M38-a1. I can see what about 75% of my problem is, it just looks like I have to pull out the radiator to get to the nut. Sorry that I don't have the venacular, but it is the little "bowl" looking thing that has an arm sticking out at 3:00 and an arm at what would be 6:00. (What is this thing called anyway?) It is at the end of the arm that comes out of the worm gear and connects to what I guess is called a drag link.

I bought a whole front end repair kit thing off of eBay and today, for the first time, I starting looking into what it would take to replace things. Being kind of lacking in vehical mechanical abilities, other then basic stuff (oil change, grease, minor tune ups, plugs electrical....), you think I could just take the box of parts and the Jeep to a garage and ask if they could replace the stuff that needs replacing?

Dondo

 

Slack in the steering is a very common in those old type of steering systems of the M38A1 as well as CJ5’s Most all of my jeeps had more slack than I really wanted when I first got them.

My first step in figuring out where to start is to get a helper to sit in your jeep and turn the steering wheel slowly back and forth just till the front wheels start to move. While this is being done inspect the linkage in the front and the steering box. Look closely at the tie rod ends. I bet you will see some slack movement. If you do, it is time to replace those tie rod ends.

As far as taking your jeep to an automotive repair place, I would suggest you try and do what you can first. Jeeps are relatively easy to work on. And you will enjoy the fact that you fixed it yourself. There are plenty of folks on this forum who will be glad to offer any help with questions. And instead of paying someone to fix it, you can buy more stuff to fix your jeep.

 

Yeah.... what he ^ said. It really is'nt that hard to do yourself. The steering bellcrank is'nt all that difficult either. Plus it wiil be something else that you can put under your belt. Also lets you have more knowledge about how your jeep works.