Drop Pitman Arm

[bdpalace]

Here's my steering set-up. Do I need a drop pitman to reduce the steering angle? I can tell it has a lift, but don't know how much.

Thanks in advance!

 

[CJim7]

Here's my steering set-up. Do I need a drop pitman to reduce the steering angle? I can tell it has a lift, but don't know how much.

Thanks in advance!

That geometry is a little severe and will cause bumpsteer. Rather then a dropped pitman, I would suggest relocating the draglink TRE to the top of the steering arm.

I did this with mine (4½" lift) and the geometry is almost perfectly parallel with the tie rod.

 

[Az84cj7]

That geometry is a little severe and will cause bumpsteer. Rather then a dropped pitman, I would suggest relocating the draglink TRE to the top of the steering arm.

I did this with mine (4½" lift) and the geometry is almost perfectly parallel with the tie rod.

Any write ups on how to relocate?

 

[BusaDave9]

What you do is mount the tie rod to the top of the steering knuckle arm. The tie rod ends are tapered so to do this you have to ream out the hole.

Here is the whole kit.
Rock Equipment Tie Rod Flip Kit w/ Ends

 

[CJim7]

I'll warm up the camera and post some pics of how mine turned out. I also relocated the tierod to the top also.

 

[Old Dog]

Here's a good thread with some links. http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/tie-rod-flip-10552/

this is how mine turned out with a 4" lift

 

[7D8CJ]

Here's my M.O.R.E. setup with a 4.5" lift.

 

[bdpalace]

Great info and the tie-rod flip is definitely on the list. However, if I just move the drag arm to the top of the steering knuckle, will I need any additional parts or do any drilling? Or do I have to do the tie-rod flip as well?

Thanks again for all the help. Bertha's slowly shaking off her rust and getting ready for the road.

 

[Old Dog]

you could just buy one insert, and only do the drag link. But
If you ever plan to take it off road having the tie rod up higher is a plus.

 

[bdpalace]

I just ordered 3 of the Gopherit shims. I can't wait to see an improvement in my steering. I'll post my results once they are installed.

 

[bdpalace]

Here's my steering set-up. Do I need a drop pitman to reduce the steering angle? I can tell it has a lift, but don't know how much.

Thanks in advance!

Finished the tie-rod flip and here's the after photo:

Definitely a huge difference.

Thanks to everyone for their input!

 

[diddy2003]

So you guys are recommending a tie rod flip instead of a drop pitman arm? I am getting a skyjacker 4 inch lift and I was wondering what to do. Thanks.

 

[BusaDave9]

So you guys are recommending a tie rod flip instead of a drop pitman arm?

Yes, we recommend a tie rod flip over a drop pitman arm

 

[BusaDave9]

Look at the above picture. If the Drag link is at much of an angle imagine going over a bump. As the front axle goes up it gets closer to the steering gearbox. That makes the drag link push the right tire to the right (of course the left follows suite). That is called bump steer. The jeep will turn to the right as you go over a bump. Then it will steer to the left as the suspension extends back to normal.

You want to make the Drag Link as close to horizontal as possible. That will minimize bump steer. Almost all suspension companies have you use a drop pitman arm because it's cheaper and easier but a tie rod flip is the best route.

With a tie rod flip the Drag Link is mounted higher up on top of the steering knuckle. This makes it more horizontal.

 

[diddy2003]

Look at the above picture. If the Drag link is at much of an angle imagine going over a bump. As the front axle goes up it gets closer to the steering gearbox. That makes the drag link push the right tire to the right (of course the left follows suite). That is called bump steer. The jeep will turn to the right as you go over a bump. Then it will steer to the left as the suspension extends back to normal.

You want to make the Drag Link as close to horizontal as possible. That will minimize bump steer. Almost all suspension companies have you use a drop pitman arm because it's cheaper and easier but a tie rod flip is the best route.

Thanks man. Do you recommend the kit in the link above or are there other ones available? I was just looking on the quadratec website and didn't find anything with a search. I was going to order the lift in the next few weeks and I was to get this project done the right way the first time. Without breaking the bank too, I hope anyway. I just spoke to the guys at quadratec and they wanted me to get the pitman arm.

Wheres the best place to get the lift btw? Skyjacker 4 inch with hydro shocks.

 

[jeepboy45]

I see from the pic that you have the factory-installed self-lubricating front end !! (engine oil leak) haha

 

[bdpalace]

@jeepboy - Yep...keeps the rust in check around the engine compartment and allows Bertha to mark her territory. However she's very territorial and continues to mark the garage so I had to put down some cardboard in hopes to get her garage broken.

 

[jeepboy45]

@bdpalace.
Did you notice an improvement in steering?
It obviously looks straighter...
I did so many mods all at once, it was hard to tell what had the most affect.
Just wondering.
(that kit makes it easy, doesnt it!)
brian

 

[bdpalace]

I haven't taken her out on the road yet, but she did track straighter going around the farm and through the tobacco fields. I'm confident she'll do better on the road, but I have to take care of those leaks first.

The kit was great. It was just a little unnerving drilling out the steering knuckles. Oh yeah...and don't use a hammer to knock out the tie rod ends unless you have a good tap and die set to repair the threads.

 

[Az84cj7]

Hey bdpalace where did you pick up that kit and who makes it?? Oh yeah how much?
Thx