Pretty sure I have a dropped pitman arm. I know I need a stock one, if so. Can someone verify this one is dropped?
edit: 3.5" lift
edit: 3.5" lift
Last edited:
Do I have a dropped pitman arm and a double brace track bar?
- Thread starter scottychop
- Start date
Yes, that is a dropped pitman arm.
Replace it with a stock one.
Why does it look like I'm seeing two track bars though? What the hell is that all about?
Replace it with a stock one.
Why does it look like I'm seeing two track bars though? What the hell is that all about?
It's one of those funny track bar braces from the early days. The track bar is also dropped, which requires the dropped pitman arm.
It doesn’t look to you like there are two track bar rods though, one on top of the other?
The upper one attaches to the frame on the opposite side. Similar to this from Full Traction...
OP
Oh wow, I've never seen anything like this before. That's a wonky setup.
What's the reason for this? Isn't one track bar enough? Seems like all it would do is cause clearance issues.
Wow, this is unlike anything I've seen before.
@mrblaine, what's the reason for double track bars like this?
It is not a double track bar. It is a pair of braces for a lowered trackbar mount reusing the stock trackbar.
OP
So, They put two track bars/braces on for problems for the dropped pitman? I feel like I need/want to simplify this back to something I can understand... Please recommend a fix/replacement.
Also, pick n pull in Seattle don't have ANY wranglers for the stock pitman...
Also, pick n pull in Seattle don't have ANY wranglers for the stock pitman...
I don't know much about how that works (or why it works), but yes, I would get rid of that stuff and go back to the stock style setup.
And my mistake, I don't know why I assumed those were track bars. After looking more closely, I see the stock track bar, and those appear to be two braces for the track bar mount.
It makes you wonder if the second brace was added to solve a problem that the first brace couldn't address. Maybe a third brace is needed?
It makes you wonder if the second brace was added to solve a problem that the first brace couldn't address. Maybe a third brace is needed?
Why not add dual steering stabilizers while we're in there?
As far as a fix is concerned, is there a current problem caused by that mess of belts and suspenders? Removing the coils and cycling the axle with a floor jack will show if there is a clearance issue that at least requires bump stop extension.
If the goal is to return to stock, then an adjustable track bar is likely needed, both to accommodate the lift and because the frame bracket is probably drilled out. A stock pitman arm is also required.
Returning to stock may be beneficial as it might allow for more suspension travel than is currently available. But this also is opening up is own can of worms.
If the goal is to return to stock, then an adjustable track bar is likely needed, both to accommodate the lift and because the frame bracket is probably drilled out. A stock pitman arm is also required.
Returning to stock may be beneficial as it might allow for more suspension travel than is currently available. But this also is opening up is own can of worms.
OP
Ok. So the plan is to do the pitman arm asap. I may leave the rest alone until I feel like opening up that can. Out of curiosity what might be problematic with returning to stock bracing?
It's all or nothing. Leave it alone or change it all. The frame side track bar mount and the pitman arm are in a relationship. Change one but not the other and everyone suffers.
There's a guy in Longview (on Portland craigslist) that has a lot of TJ parts. He buys them wrecked then strips and sells the parts.
OP
Thanks. Pitman arms are relatively cheap new. I don't notice too much bumpsteer currently. I was inquiring because I had been reading that a dropped arm was a bad idea. If I have to change every piece in the front end, I need to do a bit more planning. I thought maybe just swapping in a stock geometry pitman would be the first step. Maybe the first step is to compile a list of all the parts I might need to swap back to stock.
1. Pitman
2. Adj, trackbar
3.?
1. Pitman
2. Adj, trackbar
3.?
Brianj5600
TJ Expert
If the steering and suspension are designed to work with a dropped pitman arm they are ok. Most lift kits are designed for stock pitman arms though. The drag link and the trackbar should be parallel.