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Saginaw Ratio For A Cj5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jim Curlee, Jul 21, 2023.

  1. Jim Curlee

    Jim Curlee New Member

    I'm guessin this question has been asked a million times, but. LOL
    I saw a Saginaw power steering unit over on the Old Willys forum.
    It has a 12.7-1 ratio.
    What would be the correct ratio for a CJ5?
    Finally have my CJ runnin well enough that I can start on some other issues, isn't that what they call a rolling project. lol

    Jim
     
    Jim Curlee, Jul 21, 2023
    #1
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  2. Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Idk, slower the better.

    saw one earlier today at Summit that was 16:1 i think.

    others here have way more splanations.

    i think mine is about 16:1
     
    Danefraz, Jul 23, 2023
    #2
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  3. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    Correct factory ratio depends.
    F134 = 17.9/1
    Dauntless = 19/1
    Saginaw manual = 24/1

    Beyond changing the steering gear box;
    The exact ratio can be effected by front axle changes. Note that D25/27 knuckle arm length is different length than a D30 arm.
    Example: I ran a double TRE knuckle on a D25 axle with an otherwise stock standard system having the 17.9/1 ratio box. It came out to about a 25/1 steering ratio. Which IMHO is near ideal with a Ross system used off road.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2023
    oldtime, Jul 23, 2023
    #3
    Tralehead likes this.
  4. Tralehead

    Tralehead Member

    That would make for some really twitchy steering, especially in a CJ. Just my 2 cents...
     
    Tralehead, Jul 23, 2023
    #4
  5. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I've got about 4 turns lock to lock with my 6 turn manual saggy box (long pitman arm) it's the same as the old 4cyl ross lock to lock. No difference in speed but it's a lot easier to turn than the old mess.
     
    Jw60, Jul 23, 2023
    #5
  6. Bob

    Bob Member

    I have a manual Saginaw box that is 24:1. I believe that’s the same ratio the manual boxes had in the ‘72-newer CJs.
     
    Bob, Jul 25, 2023
    #6
  7. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    The Saginaw manual in my Commando is about 6 1/2 turns lock to lock. It's very slow but fairly easy to turn.
     
    colojeepguy, Jul 25, 2023
    #7
  8. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Hi Jim....I am the one on OWF that was inquiring about that same box that rodney is selling....I think its pretty damn quick for a cj - I was more interested as potential box for the longer wheelbase wagon. As has been mentioned, these early cj5s had a ross box that was in the 17 or 19:1 ratio (and manual). When the switch to saggy boxes came around, the manual box typically was 24:1, and the power box around 16:1. There were some differences in the pitman arm as well, so that affected the overall steering ratio in addition to just the box ratio.
     
    FinoCJ, Jul 25, 2023
    #8