Good example of a bad steering set-up

I thought I would share with everyone my steering set-up. It works but is in need of a re-do. It was this way when I bought it. I have replaced the driverside tie-rod end which was a part # that should have been for the passengerside meaning RH/ LH threads were switched. The tie rod and the drag link cross each other and actually touch. Passenger side of the draglink end is welded on and can't be replaced easily. I am looking to re-do the steering next summer hopefully.

I will post some pics of the steering colum shaft. It is in the way of putting headers on.

I have read post of how to do steering upgrades. I thought I would show an example of how not to do it.

 

Here's some steering colum pics

 

mudweiser
you look like you have 72 and later (maybe 76 and later) frame and steering set-up, yet you have a closed knuckle front axle
or am I seeing things?
do you know what you have?

 

Titled as 1970. I think someone put the steering from a '72/newer on it. The gas tank was under the seat with V6. trasfer case is an 18 single stick.

 

Front crossmember and steering box bracket definately is late 70's looking

 

Yeah, '76 and later (the cross-member, not the Jeep). '72-5 crossmember had a cast bracket, not stamped, and the cross member has some differences (stamped reinforcement around the bolt holes, shape of the radiator mount). I'd guess the PO cut out the stock crossmember and welded in a crossmember from a '76 or later CJ. Looks pretty good to me - solves the crossmember and mounting all in one.

 

My 75 has the same crossmember!!

 

Yup, what they said about vintage. Problem is they didn't put it far enough towards the bumper and that's where the problem is created. Causes the drag link and tie rod to be out of position vertically. Nickmil.

 

I agree nickmil. I hope to move the crossmember/steer box forward and get new tie rods. I would like to go with the 2 hole steering knuckle on the rightside. I need to reposition the steering colum so I can get my headers on it.

 

I see. If you put the crossmember further forward, the radiator mount is too far forward. If you put the crossmember back where the radiator is (as it is now), the drag link and tie rod interfere. Don't the grill and fenders sit further back wrt the axle on a 81" WB CJ than on a 84" WB CJ?

 

actually the original crossmember is still in use and the radiator is attached to it. The newer crossmember is welded on for mounting the steer box. So it can be moved forward not affecting the radiator/grill mount.

 

Then the best thing is to take the new crossmember off and mount the box to the frame like it should be and then put the newer crossmember back across the frame rails if you need it for support of a winch or such otherwise just take it off altogether.

 

I suppose that a shorter pitman arm would help the current setup but it may not cure the problem altogether.