Steering mod
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shaungriff
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 16 11:32 am
- Location: Scraptoft,Leicester
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Steering mod
Hi all I'm finding the steering too light on my 75 CJ especially at speed, has anyone done any modification to help this ? I've adjusted the steering box which has improved it but still too light. Mines the rhd version. Thanks shaun
1973 Chrysler CJ 360ci
Having the castor reset to maximum may help a little, this is adjustment of the upper control arm to get maximum castor, then ensure tracking is reset as well.
They are quite light on the steering.
They are quite light on the steering.
Matt Hollingsworth - Vehicle Registrar
Panther Pink 73 Aussie Charger 265 Hemi 4 spd
Challenger Sam Posey Tribute car
Panther Pink 73 Aussie Charger 265 Hemi 4 spd
Challenger Sam Posey Tribute car
360 car will have power steering
most steering pumps have a valve under the outlet with a spring and shims
easy to access on Saginaw pump (take out the outlet fitting and remove the valve thing with spring and shims dismantle, adjust and put it back.)
not easy on the federal pump (take off the covers and go digging)
not having owned a power assisted aussie car I'm not sure who they modelled their pumps after.
reducing the shim thickness by a few thou lowers the pressure.
however lower pressure can highlight notchy-ness in a worn out steering box
easiest swap would be a Saginaw pump off a slant 6 car which are already low pressure pumps
but first port of call as Matt suggest is about 3 degrees of positive castor or as much as you can get before the top of the wheel starts sticking out and you move into positive camber (never great unless you drive at full lock one way all the time)
you could also try a smaller steering wheel.
a brand new idler put on with the steering centred then the bolt done up tight also provides a poor mans steering damper effect
it is rubber bushed so you are twisting the bush as you turn the wheels.
aids self centering for the first few years until the rubber gets perished.
Dave
other option would be a manual box.
a manual box upgraded with firmfeels 16:1 ratio set up can never be accused of being too light. I have this. it works great but its heavy.
how to rebuild your Manual box is on a sticky somewhere
need
box
pitman (thin sector, yours may be fat sector if its later than 1974)
steering shaft extender from firmfeel or Borgeson or steer and gear
or the column shaft and coupler off a VH VJ with manual steering.
Dave
most steering pumps have a valve under the outlet with a spring and shims
easy to access on Saginaw pump (take out the outlet fitting and remove the valve thing with spring and shims dismantle, adjust and put it back.)
not easy on the federal pump (take off the covers and go digging)
not having owned a power assisted aussie car I'm not sure who they modelled their pumps after.
reducing the shim thickness by a few thou lowers the pressure.
however lower pressure can highlight notchy-ness in a worn out steering box
easiest swap would be a Saginaw pump off a slant 6 car which are already low pressure pumps
but first port of call as Matt suggest is about 3 degrees of positive castor or as much as you can get before the top of the wheel starts sticking out and you move into positive camber (never great unless you drive at full lock one way all the time)
you could also try a smaller steering wheel.
a brand new idler put on with the steering centred then the bolt done up tight also provides a poor mans steering damper effect
it is rubber bushed so you are twisting the bush as you turn the wheels.
aids self centering for the first few years until the rubber gets perished.
Dave
other option would be a manual box.
a manual box upgraded with firmfeels 16:1 ratio set up can never be accused of being too light. I have this. it works great but its heavy.
how to rebuild your Manual box is on a sticky somewhere
need
box
pitman (thin sector, yours may be fat sector if its later than 1974)
steering shaft extender from firmfeel or Borgeson or steer and gear
or the column shaft and coupler off a VH VJ with manual steering.
Dave
The Greater Knapweed near the Mugwort by the Buckthorn tree is dying
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shaungriff
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 16 11:32 am
- Location: Scraptoft,Leicester
- Contact:
Thanks for helpful replies. Since I've adjusted the steering box it's fine around town, it's just on dual carriageway motorways when I put my foot down the faster I go the lighter it seems ! It's already got a sports steering wheel fitted when I bought the car. I will look at the steering pump to see which type is fitted. Thanks again shaun
1973 Chrysler CJ 360ci