Dropped Pitman Arm question from a newbie

[Hap337]

Hey everybody, new guy here. I've got an 01 TJ with a 2.5 inch lift, running 33's. Bought it a few months ago and had noticed a pretty significant bump steer. I replaced the front lower control arms, which helped a little. Then after looking on here for a while I thought to check something very basic, the toe in. Turns out I actually had a toe out! I was able to do an at-home alignment and get the toe in to 1/8th inch. Made a ton of difference!
But I still have some bump steer and was wondering if my pitman arm could be part of the problem? Does a 2.5 inch lift need a dropped pitman arm?

 

[Daryl]

Get rid of that dropped pitman arm and install a stock one. And yes, that dropped arm can cause bump steer.

 

[Hap337]

Sounds good. Why would they install that to begin with? Just assumed they needed it with a lift?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Sounds good. Why would they install that to begin with? Just assumed they needed it with a lift?

Yep whoever installed that DPA was simply clueless and didn't know that TJ's don't normally require one. Replace it with the OE Pitman arm and your bump steer will go away.

 

[Daryl]

Have no idea. Years ago some thought it was needed when a lift of a certain height was installed. The community has learned now that all it does is cause bump steer.

 

[Hap337]

OE Pitman arm ordered and on the way... That's what is great about this forum, advice from actual Jeepers

Any tips on the pitman arm replacement? Looks pretty straight forward and simple

 

[Daryl]

You’ll need to borrow/rent a pitman arm puller because the splined shaft is tapered. Autozone should able to help you out.

 

[jjvw]

Have no idea. Years ago some thought it was needed when a lift of a certain height was installed. The community has learned now that all it does is cause bump steer.

Tell that to all the companies selling dropped pitman arms in their TJ lift kits.

 

[Hap337]

Perfect, thanks for the help!

 

[Daryl]

Tell that to all the companies selling dropped pitman arms in their TJ lift kits.

 

[MaloStapalo]

Tell that to all the companies selling dropped pitman arms in their TJ lift kits.

Right? Looking at you skyjacker. My old teraflex kit had one installed by the PO.

Start soaking your pitman arm now. You can use a little heat but dont damage the seals in the gear box. When I removed mine I put it under load with a pitman puller, and would tap the arm with a 2lb hammer, then tighten one more turn, then tap again. Be careful when it gives, it sounds like a gunshot if it's on there good. I also left it slightly attatched to the drag link to keep it from launching itself into the ground.

 

[Hap337]

Thanks, good tips! Liquid wrench going on right now, even though I won't be able to change it for a day or 2
I'm hoping that since it was added on by the previous owner that it won't be as big of a pain to get off as if it was the original...but I think we all know that with Jeeps sometimes the smallest steps turn into the worst

 

[BoldlyGoing]

...but I think we all know that with Jeeps sometimes the smallest steps turn into the worst

Heh... went in to replace rear shocks. Figured 2 hrs. 2 days later I finally finished up.

Never again will I buy a New England Jeep.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hap337]

Hoping to tackle this tomorrow. Quick question, will the tie rod end need to be adjusted? I'm guessing the drag link length will need to change going back to the original pitman arm?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yes you'll need to slightly lengthen the drag link's length after replacing the Pitman arm to recenter the steering wheel. Several quick short test drives with small adjustments between them are needed to get the steering wheel centered. Rotating the short adjustment link so the top of it rolls toward you will lengthen the drag link as is required.

 

[Hap337]

Thanks, that sounds fairly simple...I hope haha. Would an alignment be necessary then after all yhis?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Your toe-in will not change by replacing the Pitman arm so nothing else beyond recentering the steering wheel will be needed. Assuming of course the toe-in is correct now.

 

[Hap337]

Thanks for all the help, Jerry! It's gonna get done, one way or another

 

[Hap337]

Ok, everybody...successful day! Got the old pitman arm off very easily which was a relief. I discovered the tie rod going into it was shot however. Found one in town and got everything back together just before darkness.
I do have a question though. As you can see in this picture the nut holding the pitman arm on the steering box isn't on as far as the old one. It is about one revolution from being flush. There is a washer on there too. Do I need the washer? If I lose it I think I will get enough threads to show to feel comfortable

 

[Mikester86]

I know this is old thread, but yes, washer is necessary and torque nut to 251 N·m (185 ft. lbs.)