New to the Jeep world, what do I have?

[xxdabroxx]

I would put a stock pitman arm back on it. The drop one that is installed is not needed on these jeeps.

 

[LieutenantJohnson]

Never tried it that way. Thanks for the tip. Compressors are a pain in the ass.

Well not if you use them correctly. I will use spring compressors I have just to avoid disconnecting my TB , shocks etc...takes way less time. Just be safe using them

 

[LieutenantJohnson]

Okay so I'm going to get it in the shop this morning to put a new steering stabilizer on it and see what i can do with the rear shock mounts. Anything else you suggest i look at or for since it will be inside instead of outside in the 8 degrees!

Have you done a dry steering test with a buddy? I am almost certain you will find some slop in a Tie rod end and/or track bar bushings. How about the BJ and Wheel bearing check?

 

[jjvw]

Well not if you use them correctly. I will use spring compressors I have just to avoid disconnecting my TB , shocks etc...takes way less time. Just be safe using them

I never said to disconnect the track bar.

 

[bobthetj03]

With a good size pry bar and the sway bar and shocks disconnected you can usually pry the bottom of the spring out from its perch.

 

[LieutenantJohnson]

I never said to disconnect the track bar.

don't take it so personal...I didn't quote your reply.

 

[Oscar1]

I would put a stock pitman arm back on it. The drop one that is installed is not needed on these jeeps.

Have you done a dry steering test with a buddy? I am almost certain you will find some slop in a Tie rod end and/or track bar bushings. How about the BJ and Wheel bearing check?

Is there benefit or harm to be gained from changing the drop pitman arm back or vice versa? What difference would it really make?

And as far as the front end check, the tie rod ends are solid, the track bar bushing at the top is just a tad loose, likely from being forced at a less than ideal angle, the bottom is fine. control arm bushings are tight believe it or not. The ball joints are crap so they'll be getting replaced with Spicers this next week most likely. The wheel bearings appear to be okay but there is so much slop in the lower ball joint its hard to tell. I figure I may as well replace them while I'm in there along with the front axle U-Joints. do you guys have a preferred brand for U-Joints, or will Moog suffice?

 

[xxdabroxx]

Spicer joints the ones with the X at the end are the tougher ones if I remember correctly. These are the ones I bought for my Dana 30 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QAURWQO/?tag=wranglerorg-20


The drop pitman arm will cause bump steer. It's not dangerous but annoying.