CJ5 steering linkage slop

[Pappy]

it's a 59 CJ5 with power steering and it's unsafe to drive.
under 40 it is pretty easy to control
40+mph it wanders all over the road!

front frame horns have been boxed so there is no flex or play in the steering box.
crawled further under and found there are two "plates" with a rubber (?) washer between them.
turning the wheel shows play (from 9 oclock to 11 oclock) as the tabs on the two plates touch and separate.
Also noted it appears the steering shaft has two different rod diameters - my guess is the larger is to accommodate the power steering upgrade.

Questions:
- does anyone recognize this steering model - or make a guess what it came from?
- can the "rubber washer" be replaced?
- can I remove "rubber washer" and weld or bolt the two plates together?
- what is the purpose of the "rubber washer? isolate road vibration?

any thoughts / comments / ideas are much appreciated.

 

[superj]

The rubber deal is just there as a Vibration damper/shock absorber. You could probably make one out of urethane or some kind of plastic material to fix it

 

[JPNinPA]

Check the frame welds. Consider bracing the steering box. Have your camber and caster checked.

 

[dwillys]

As far as I can tell, the rubber is the rag joint. They are used in between the steering wheel shaft and steering box,right ? It very well might be a factory item, just order one. Don't weld it together, that would be some Mickey Mouse work right there, that's for sure ! Have you tried to look up the part? Do you know where to get the part ?

 

[69jeepcj]

That is a rag joint as stated, and it is supposed to be there.. your local auto parts store should have new one,s on the shelf. It is there to reduce vibration. Don't weld it!

 

[JPNinPA]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...5cKT4csCFUgehgods44Gcg&ibanner=MobileSwitchNo

Entire lower

 

[Pappy]

Thx folks...been wrenchin over 50 years And never heard it a rag joint.
Found replacement at local parts house and replaced yesterday.
Nice and right now.
Frame is boxes and reinforced already.
Pretty sure alignment is off. But that's next week project.
Thx again!

 

[69jeepcj]

If you use the jeep off road at all, you may want to consider bracing the steering box. You could even make one, the brace attaches around the bottom of the steering gear box around the sector shaft housing (shaft pitman arm is on) and runs over to passenger side frame rail. It keeps the front frame from flexing when you turn the wheel. It don't sound like much but makes a big difference in the way the steering feels.