1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Steering shaft question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by rixcj, Aug 19, 2009.

  1. Aug 19, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    When I switched over from standard to power steering (about 2 years ago),I bought a complete used setup, including a steering shaft, from ebay.

    The shaft itself didn't reach from the column spline to the gearbox spline, so I extended the shaft, above the slip joint. It fits perfectly, now.

    So, the coupling just below the rag joint clamps onto the gearbox spline. there is no conventional coupling, with lower bearings, rubber boots, etc. ( all that stuff that wears out, and must be replaced).

    It works fine, I've never had any issues at all with it. As a matter of fact, I'm not positive, but I think that the gearbox is variable ratio, and it steers great.

    So, my question is...is there anything wrong with this setup? Can anyone forsee any problems, "down the road"?

    Here are a few pics...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Thanks for looking!

    Rich
     
  2. Aug 19, 2009
    Colorado_Baja

    Colorado_Baja JEEPS!!

    Fort...
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2006
    Messages:
    304
    I'm no expert but it looks pretty gud to me!

    Especially the welds on your rad mount/frame rail.

    Greg
     
  3. Aug 19, 2009
    Bob Greenslade

    Bob Greenslade Member

    Roseville CA
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2008
    Messages:
    232
    Personally I would get rid of the rag joint for a u joint. That will eliminate slop at that point and any future failures.
     
  4. Aug 20, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    Why would a u-joint be better than a rag joint? Why is the rag joint even there?

    Rich
     
  5. Aug 20, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Not sure about an '81 model, but the earlier Jeeps with Saginaw steering would have had a bell coupler at that location. It too is a type of flex coupling. My truck has the rubber rag joint, as do all the ful-size Jeeps AFAIK.

    I presume you need a flex coupling of some kind at that location to take any stress off the steering gear input shaft, and to prevent binding due to misalignment.
     
  6. Aug 20, 2009
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    you need flex or movement for body to frame flex.
    just like a rubber fuel line
    without flex, the shaft will pull apart....somewhere at the easiest point
    seen that happen a few times
     
  7. Aug 20, 2009
    my73cj5

    my73cj5 Member

    Monroe, CT
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    126
    mine had a rag joint, I'm running larger tires 35 x 15.5 and I just upgraded to a Borgson shaft, but mine did work fine, just keep and eye on it
     
  8. Aug 20, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    I don't know if the set-up I have is from 1981, or not.

    So, your truck has a rag joint coupled directly to the gearbox? If that's the case, and this is typical of FSJ's, then that may confirm that my p/s setup IS from an FSJ.

    I believe that FSJ gearboxes were variable ratio, and CJ 's were not, and I believe mine is variable ratio.

    Seeing as I'm having NO issues with this set-up, I'll probably just keep it this way, but keep an eye on it.

    I have a 1979 FSM but I can't seem to find too much info on steering shafts.

    Thanks for all the info.

    Rich
     
  9. Aug 21, 2009
    CJ5Doc

    CJ5Doc Member

    Folsom, Ca
    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2009
    Messages:
    152
    Nice setup.... Did you build the radiator mount? What hedders are you running and do you like them?
     
  10. Aug 21, 2009
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    Yes, I made the radiator support. The PO had 2 pieces of angle iron welded to the top of the frame (nasty looking!). I wanted a bolt-on setup.

    I'm not sure of the brand of headers, I'm guessing Hedman Hedders. They were on the jeep when I bought it, and there's no identification on them.

    I like the headers for several reasons, one of them being, if I have to remove the oil pan, it drops right out, with nothing in the way.

    Rich
     
  11. Aug 22, 2009
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    full size chevy runs a rag joint there too...my 57 /86/70 chevy has u joints out of a chevy van that I put there...the u joint setup is better for slop(it has none)
     
New Posts