CJ/YJ spring conv pitman arm troubles

overlander · 11-13-2003, 05:27 PM

I have just installed a kit to convert from CJ springs to YJ springs (OME). All is working out pretty good. I have had to modify the shock mounts to use shocks with as much travel as the suspension now has.

However, the longer springs have moved the front axle forward about an inch. This has resulted in the pitman arm rubbing on the tie rod under compression.

Is there a shorter pitman arm available?

This Jeep is an 84 Scrambler with power steering. The current arm is approx. 8" long overall and about 6.5" long on center. Are there other arms that will bolt up that are shorter? I just need about a half inch.

SamFromCO · 11-13-2003, 10:18 PM

I bought a drop pitman arm for my '86 CJ7 w/power steering and it was about an inch shorter radius than the stock pitman arm. The bad part of using a shorter pitman arm is that it really increases your turning radius because when you turn the steering wheel it doesn't turn the wheels as far. If you are interested I'll take a look and see if I still have the shorter arm (I went back to the stock arm).
FWIW I remember reading an article where a guy slightly rotated his steering box and moved it up and it created more space for the pitman arm.

overlander · 11-13-2003, 10:27 PM

Well, I was hoping that the limit for turning would be the set screws on the axles and the box had extra turns built into it.

This could really result in a mess.

Maybe I should just grind off a bit here and there......

And then it can crack and fall off as I drive down the road!

SamFromCO · 11-13-2003, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander

....Well, I was hoping that the limit for turning would be the set screws on the axles and the box had extra turns built into it....

On my CJ the steering wheel wouldn't turn any further and the knuckles had not yet hit the steering stops. It REALLY screwed up my ability to turn. That's why I went back to the stock arm.
Good luck and do it right. If it breaks I can almost guarantee that it won't be in a place that's nearly as comfortable and well equiped as your garage!!!

rustyCJ · 11-13-2003, 11:37 PM

move the steering box forward on the frame. there are a couple write-ups on doing this. i will try to post some links tomorrow. its easier than it sounds

SuperDave · 11-16-2003, 09:44 PM

I had the same issue on my jeep. I had enough room on my pitman arm to drill another tapered hole about an inch back from the original hole. Works great!! Still using it today!

overlander · 11-17-2003, 07:01 AM

Wow I hadn't thought of that. As soon as I get the shocks and brake lines finished I will be exploring all these possibilities. This could be the easiest one!

11-13-2003, 10:18 PM	#2
SamFromCO Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 404 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I bought a drop pitman arm for my '86 CJ7 w/power steering and it was about an inch shorter radius than the stock pitman arm. The bad part of using a shorter pitman arm is that it really increases your turning radius because when you turn the steering wheel it doesn't turn the wheels as far. If you are interested I'll take a look and see if I still have the shorter arm (I went back to the stock arm). FWIW I remember reading an article where a guy slightly rotated his steering box and moved it up and it created more space for the pitman arm. __________________ '86 CJ7, 258 w/Mopar MPI, 4.56 gears, rear Detroit/front Truetrac, full cage, OBA, 8274, 4" lift via Alcans/Rancho, 35's on beadlocks, other stuff. Built for rocks, mud is a four letter word.

11-13-2003, 11:37 PM	#5
rustyCJ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: IL Posts: 942 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	move the steering box forward on the frame. there are a couple write-ups on doing this. i will try to post some links tomorrow. its easier than it sounds __________________ [COLOR=darkgreen]"character is doing the right thing even if nobody is looking"[/COLOR]

11-13-2003, 10:27 PM	#3
overlander Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 23 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Well, I was hoping that the limit for turning would be the set screws on the axles and the box had extra turns built into it. This could really result in a mess. Maybe I should just grind off a bit here and there...... And then it can crack and fall off as I drive down the road!

11-17-2003, 07:01 AM	#7
overlander Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 23 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Wow I hadn't thought of that. As soon as I get the shocks and brake lines finished I will be exploring all these possibilities. This could be the easiest one!