'79 Jeep CJ5 steering question
#1
'79 Jeep CJ5 steering question
I'm looking at restoring a 1979 Jeep CJ5 to driveable condition, and have a question about the steering. While looking at the front end, I noticed the drag link has a bend in it at the right steering knuckle end. The bend is inward, toward the axle housing. It doesn't look normal to me, but I also don't see any evidence of impact. The bent-in portion doesn't appear to be hitting or rubbing on anything in its travel. Is this bend normal, or am I looking at replacing the drag link or the end(s)? Any/all help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance - Chris
#2
I don't have an answer. However, you could order the part at an auto supply, when it arrives, just look at it, without buying it. That should eliminate all doubts.
#3
If you just mean it's not straight, that's normal for this vintage
If you mean more than a few inches off, or a bendlike a V or U, that might not be normal
It's supposed to bend slightly after the steering gear arm, and again about 2/3 of the way toward the steering bellcrank
It is very hard to find parts for this vintage Jeep (AMC still in '79 right?)
I often found myself making them or modifying "close" parts
I wouldn't be suprised if this was a home shop modified drag link
The front of the drag link should go a little beyond the connection to the bellcrank...does it point straight ahead or angled?
If you mean more than a few inches off, or a bendlike a V or U, that might not be normal
It's supposed to bend slightly after the steering gear arm, and again about 2/3 of the way toward the steering bellcrank
It is very hard to find parts for this vintage Jeep (AMC still in '79 right?)
I often found myself making them or modifying "close" parts
I wouldn't be suprised if this was a home shop modified drag link
The front of the drag link should go a little beyond the connection to the bellcrank...does it point straight ahead or angled?
#4
Originally Posted by Lugnut
I don't have an answer. However, you could order the part at an auto supply, when it arrives, just look at it, without buying it. That should eliminate all doubts.
#5
Slick, I don't doubt you. I just know that auto supply can order parts back to 1965, more or less. The 4 wheel drive's and so on may be even harder to find since they are not your typical passenger car that most suppliers focus on. So I probably stand corrected. I know that I find myself looking at Whitney for those kinds of parts. But, what the hey, find a 'good' auto parts guy (ha!, thats the real trick, lol, where is Joe? when you need him), ((he got banned)). )
#6
Thanks, Lug and slickshift. Yes, 1979 still makes it an AMC product. The drag link is straight leaving the pitman arm; the bend is in about the last 7-8" before it gets to the steering knuckle arm. It's not like a 'J' or "U", though, so I guess it's pretty slight. It does come within about 1/2" of touching the tie rod, but doesn't hit or rub anywhere. As I was just outside looking at it, it caused me to wonder if it's bent that way to avoid hitting the right front leaf spring when turning left. Just a thought... Hey, thanks again, guys! 'Til next time - Chris