HELP tilt wheel wobble

[88WAG]

I have a problem with my steering column/tilt wheel mech.I was told by a friend that it is easier to replace the whole column than the bearings that go bad inside.(Im hoping he's wrong)Any input would be helpfull as I would rather be spending money on an air locker than a steering column.Please help.

[Slippery]

There's a small u-joint inside the column, under the steering wheel. The 2 cases of "wheel wobble" that I've seen were actually caused by the shaft support bolts coming loose, not the joint failing. If that's the problem, a little blue Loctite oughtta do it--good luck!

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"No FSJ yet, but wait..."

[RudyC]

Its usually the end clips or retainers that hold the u joint in place. Three of three times it was this. you can do it yourself if your brave and very organized but the small lock and key places can do it for about 50 bucks. thats what i did.

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1979 WAGONEER, 360, TH400, Q- TRAC. 3" ADD A LEAFS, 31" MUD T/A'S (PEP BOYS CLONES).
" Go farther, it only breaks on the street"

[Michael F]

Yes the bolts come loose, the factory did not glue them in place. To fix the column (can we say FUN! http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/biggrin.gif ) you will need to disasemble everything down to the point wher the column bends, if you have taken a GM column apart before it might not be to bad, the only parts you may have a hard time with are the pivot pins, you will need to pull them in order to remove the inner housing to get to all the bolts (4) to remove them locktite them and reinstall them. If you do not get the housing off you will only be able maybe to tighten 1 or 2 of the bolts.

It is a common problem and like Rudy said it might not be to expensive to get it repaired. You can contact me off list so I can get you more info and diagrams if you like.

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81 Cherokee Laredo WT
53,000 orig. miles
360/727/208/3.31/31x10.5AT
79 Cherokee Chief WT (snow plow)
360/400/QTw/LR/3.54/31x10.5
My family has 7 FSJ's!!!

[88WAG]

Thanks for the input,its c-c-cold in the east and Im on my way to the driveway.Never messed with GMs wish me luck.

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88 Grand Wagoneer 360ci\727\dana 44's
edelbrock 500cfm 4v
SP2P manifold
K&N filter,Jacobs coil
Skyjacker4" system, Russels braided brake lines,extended parking brake cables,100amp alt,

[Langdon]

I need to do this too.
To you guys who've done it before--would it be easier to remove the column and take it apart on a workbench, or should I just leave it in the truck? I too have to work outside, so taking it inside would be more comfortable, but is it a waste of time?
TIA,

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Langdon
'79 Cherokee (PO)S
360 2bbl, TH400, Q-Trac
"My heart's in the Jeep, but my Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley is in debt!"

[Michael F]

It would take you as long to pull the column as it would to repair it then you would have to put it back! and you would have to work outside and with the door open to the jeep.

I would run the jeep to warm it up real well then start the work, then use a heater of some type if you need to keep warm like a hair drier, don't laugh it will work some big ones have the same wattage as a small space heater and are much safer!

------------------
81 Cherokee Laredo WT
53,000 orig. miles
360/727/208/3.31/31x10.5AT
79 Cherokee Chief WT (snow plow)
360/400/QTw/LR/3.54/31x10.5
My family has 7 FSJ's!!!

[FSJNut]

At least it's a clean job ;> )
I did my 88 with the column in. The tech section has an article on this. I would do
it again. This job took me about 4 hours (I'm slow), no parts and two tools, a steering wheel puller and a lock plate compressor.
I think the total tool cost was around $40, or AutoZone or some other parts stores will loan them to you.

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87 GW
88 GW
85 GW (on its way back from being a parts car)

[Veepster]

you all have way more patience than me.....I started the job, and then said screw it! and bought a good column from Porkchop....I would not attempt that job again.....too many small parts!

DO NOT ATTEMPT WITHOUT A PULLER AND A COMPRESSOR THOUGH!

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Peace.............BartG

the Green Flash!
78 Cherokee
360 2v, TH400 QT with low
4" skyjacker Rancho 9000's
33x12.50 BFG KO's 8" American Racing Baja Rims
Thorley headers, 3" exhaust, Dyno Max
Infiniti power leather seats
50%Luxury Car, 50%Tractor
http://www.teamgodspeed.com

[justin cace]

mine does that too

thats all it is cool
somthing to do on my day off
thanks guys

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81wag 360 tired
_________________________

rectum hell!! dam near killed him !!!

[RudyC]

Well I tried one and then got scared and took it to a lock smith by my home in one of those old photomat huts.. There were layers of plates that needed pullers and stuff. Too complicated for me. It looked like brain surgery. They just come loose and need retightening.

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1979 WAGONEER, 360, TH400, Q- TRAC. 3" ADD A LEAFS, 31" MUD T/A'S (PEP BOYS CLONES).
" Go farther, it only breaks on the street"

[88WAG]

Well I guess there is no blue book for locksmith work/time because 20min outside of NYC they want $150 to just re assemble my column.The locksmith is two blocks away. I cant get one of the cotter pins out.Im losing my mind and the snow is comming.Any ideas??

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88 Grand Wagoneer 360ci\727\dana 44's
edelbrock 500cfm 4v
SP2P manifold
K&N filter,Jacobs coil
Skyjacker4" system, Russels braided brake lines,extended parking brake cables,100amp alt,

[Michael F]

88 I sent you a email, give me a call if you like I need to get my scanner back on and I can scan the section on the column. If you call I should be able to help you get it apart or at least back together.

PS I got your email and just found it today.

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81 Cherokee Laredo WT
53,000 orig. miles
360/727/208/3.31/31x10.5AT
79 Cherokee Chief WT (snow plow)
360/400/QTw/LR/3.54/31x10.5
My family has 7 FSJ's!!!

[Michael F]

88 You should now have the text to go with the diagram.

[FSJNut]

I don't remember any cotter pins on mine. Are you talking about the two pivot pins, one on each side of the column? If so, I may be able to help.

[88WAG]

After alot of pestering(MichaelF-FSJnut) the job is done.Would I do it again...Yes. Would I pay a locksmith 50bucks yes.150 bucks NO!


The beauty of the internet is a wonderful thing.People helping people.This time it was me. Thanks to all who replied,now I can steer.

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88 Grand Wagoneer 360ci\727\dana 44's
edelbrock 500cfm 4v
SP2P manifold
K&N filter
Jacobs coil
Skyjacker 4" system
russel brake lines
extended P brake cables
Swaybar Quick disconects
No trac bars
Can you say articulation?

[Langdon]

I love this forum!! The 2 bolts were also my problem, took about 2 hours to get to them and put it back together, cleaning and greasing stuff too. My stable of tools that will see minimal use has grown to include a lock plate compressor and steering wheel puller, too. I made a puller from a socket, washer, and 8-32 x 2" machine screw (I think)to get the pivot pins out.
This small job made a big improvement on driving pleasure...THANKS GUYS!

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Langdon
'79 Cherokee (PO)S
360 2bbl, TH400, Q-Trac
"My heart's in the Jeep, but my Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley is in debt!"