Proper height for drop pitman arm?

[laneiac]

Heres my problem, I have a 95yj with a 2.5 inch rancho lift and a one inch body lift. I experience a small amount of bumpsteer, which I can not stand. I am adding a steering box brace, and considering a steering stabilizer. But can I use a drop pitman arm? I have read in a few places not to use it with less than 3-4" of suspension lift. What do u guys think? I may add shackles with 1/2" lift in the near future. I am currently running 31's and going up to 33's sometime in the next month. Thanks in advance, Lane

[TwistedCopper]

The goal is to have your front track bar and your steering drag link (I think that is right, if not somebody correct me!) parallel. if they are or are real close, you probably don't need a drop arm. They are usually recommended for anything over 3". A steering stablilizer helped mine considerably.

	Track bar A track bar is a component of a car suspension system that provides lateral location of the axle. While the purpose of the rear suspension of an automobile is to allow the wheels to move vertically with respect to the body, it is undesirable to allow them to move forward and backwards, or from side to side. It is this latter movement that the track bar is designed to prevent. It is a simple device, consisting of a rigid bar running sideways in the same plane as the rear axle, connecting one end of the axle to the car body or chassis on the opposite side of the vehicle. The bar is attached on either end with pivots that permit it to swivel upwards and downwards only, so that the axle is, in turn, allowed to move in the vertical plane only.

[Bounty__Hunter]

You are correct on the steering terminology, and the fact that a drop pitman arm is not needed on a 2.5" lift.

What exactly is the jeep doing that you term 'bumpsteer'? It's uncommon in YJ's, especially with that small of lift.

[laneiac]

When I hit any kind of rough terrain on pavement, the steering wheel jumps around. I was thinking it could be a worn steering shaft, but I will try a stabilizer before I get any further into it.

[Bounty__Hunter]

Doesn't sound like bumpsteer. Bumpsteer is when you hit a speedbump that compresses the entire front axle, and the steering wheel is forced to one side. Hold the steering wheel loosely over a speed bump and you'll determine bumpsteer.

Look at the steering shaft where it exits the firewall, just under the master cylinder. There is a clip there that causes a lot of steering wheel movement if it's loose. Grab the steering shaft in the engine compartment and try to shake it.

[joejeepny]

YJ steering geometry is dumb any how. If you turn the wheel back and forth the tie rod spins before it moves. Gets worse when you lift unless you use a drop pitman. Why did they tie the sterring box tie rod in the middle of the other tie rod. CJ steering the box went to the knuckle. Much better.

[joejeepny]

What did you do with your track arm. I have a RE2.5 lift and have steering problems. I am going to try a drop pitman this week, And I am replacing the bracket that came with the lift and putting on a new M.O.R.E. products track arm.

[Craig]

I put a dropped pitman arm in my YJ which has about 1 1/2" of lift from my springs and about 3/4" of lift from my Revolver Shackles up front (2 1/4" total). My dropped pitman arm is rated for a 4" lift and I haven't experienced any problems like reverse bumpsteer.

[Bounty__Hunter]

Originally Posted by joejeepny

YJ steering geometry is dumb any how.

You think that's bad take a look at XJ and TJ steering, the tow-in changes as the suspension cycles

Sounds like there is a problem somewhere besides needing a dropped pitman arm, the problems you describe are very uncommon with small lifts on YJ's.

You shouldn't have needed to raise the lower track bar mount very much, I just cut and sleeved mine for a 1.5" lift.

	Track bar A track bar is a component of a car suspension system that provides lateral location of the axle. While the purpose of the rear suspension of an automobile is to allow the wheels to move vertically with respect to the body, it is undesirable to allow them to move forward and backwards, or from side to side. It is this latter movement that the track bar is designed to prevent. It is a simple device, consisting of a rigid bar running sideways in the same plane as the rear axle, connecting one end of the axle to the car body or chassis on the opposite side of the vehicle. The bar is attached on either end with pivots that permit it to swivel upwards and downwards only, so that the axle is, in turn, allowed to move in the vertical plane only.

[joejeepny]

TJ's have the same dumb steering as a YJ. The two tie rods are connected in the middle. Just the steering stabilizer is positioned different. They both promote steering wander and bump steer. Someone should make a new knuckle end for yjs to convert them to cj steering.

[Bounty__Hunter]

Originally Posted by joejeepny

TJ's have the same dumb steering as a YJ.

No, the YJ uses an inverted L design while the TJ uses the inverted Y design. The YJ design does not change toe during the suspension cycle. While you may think both are dumb, they are not the same.

If you want the CJ type it would require a new knuckle or a redesigned steering arm. Some aftermarket kits like MORE high steer would do that.

[joejeepny]

Took a good look under the new rubicon and your right. The TJ is worst that the YJ. The control are is longer to reduce bump steer but now the tow changes upon travel of the suspension. Thats why the wheel shakes so much when you hit a bump. Where does Jeep get these dumb ideas. Is the high steer product only for SOA YJs.

[joejeepny]

I found this but i think its only for SOA.
http://www.samsoffroad.com/samsoffroadsto/HighSteer.htm

[Bounty__Hunter]

laneiac, are you any closer to finding what's wrong with your jeep's steering?

[laneiac]

I was gone for the weekend, and tried shaking the shaft like u recommended but it was good and solid... It still feels sloppy and jerks around.... So I am going to try a steering stabilizer and an alignment after I get my new tires... and if that doesnt work then I will try a new steering shaft i guess...