I am terrible at updating this!
In no paticular order...
(1) My steering shaft was original and very worn. Searching the web, I found a '76-86 CJ7 with power steering will work and I lose the rag joint and very worn out u-joint in the stock one. So I ordered a good used one. I was in a hurry to get it in and out of the rain that I did a no no.
On the steering gear box, at the end of the splines is a knub ( For lack of a better word) There is also a dowel pin holding it. Not thinking I tap the dowel pin out and try twisting that "knub" out.
If I would have looked at a manual I would have seen that this "knub" runs through the center of the splines into the box, so it won't slide out. DON"T DO WHAT I DID!!!
Not knowing if I damaged anything, I put the dowel pin back in. I then took a sawzall and cut off the "knub" flush at the end of the splines. Next I connected the CJ7 shaft, after I compressed it down in order to fit.
Finally got it all hooked up. Started the Jeep and the steering wheel turned its self to the fully to the right and still sound like it wanted to go past its stopping point.
So I messed up the box.
The welding instructor at the college I work for has a '78 Cherokee Chief the is a parts rig. He is only using the axles. So after getting permission, I have been scavaging parts of of it. So I took the steering box.
And of course it is different then mine.
From bjsoffroad.com
1974-76 = 13/16 Inch Input Shaft.
1977-91 = 3/4 Inch Input Shaft.
What they sell.
Steering boxes are: 71-76; 77-79; 80-91
Steering shaft coupler w/rag joint: 74-76; 77-91
Steering shaft stock replacement: 74-91
Steering shaft Heavy duty: 74-76; 77-91
O'Reilly's, Napa, and AutoZone sell rebuild kits. Only O'Reilly's list these for "With 13/16 Inch Input Shaft"
All of them say the rebuild kit is the same for a '74 and '78. Which is confusing, unless they include everything for the different boxes, I hope.
My '74 his a 4 bolt box that only utilized 3 of the bolts.
The parts '78 box is a 3 bolt. Also being a smaller spline I had to use the steering shaft from this Jeep.
So trying to upgrade my steering I ended up still using a rag jointed shaft that is smaller. Although this shaft does not have the u-joint that my '74 has.
Lesson learned on this.
(2) From the parts '78, I also took the rear side glass. It is the 2 piece that can be opened. Anyone know a source for the weather stripping?
(3) Finally had an alignment done at the automotive shop at the college. Camber is off on the right side, so I'll need to get adjustable ball joints.
(4) Last week after work I was going to drive straight the brewery to have a drink with my girl. Downtown was packed so I drove home. I can walk the 5 minutes there
Get out of the Jeep, lock it, shut the door and it does not latch. try a few things and nothing.
So as it rains I am taking my door panel off to see what I see. Completely remove the latch assembly and clean it up. Rusted up just enough where it was not doing what it is suppose to do. My only I guess problem is that the interior door handle has lost its spring action. Not a big deal
(5) A while back my wipers would not shut off and every 4th time of movement they would get stuck. Gear inside stripped. I took the parts '78 and used it's gear ( The rest of it was so rotted out) Motor works but if they run for too long and then I shut it off they will continue wiping. They also don't rest in the all the way down position. A rebuilt motor is in the future.
(6) From the parts '78 I also took the power steering pump. Not for the pump but for the belt adjustment bracket. My '74 did not have one.
That is all I can think of off the top of my head.
