Crossover Pitman Arms

[nvrenuf]

Is there a pitman arm that fits a 2wd box with less drop?

I’m using the typical arm, Superlift # 1104, and recently noticed that when flexed that the drag link end almost touches the tie rod (less than 1/2” between).

I’ve read that some folks have used a TJ/YJ arm with 1.5” drop / 5.5” length compared to the Superlift arm’s 3” drop / 7” length.

Does the shorter length do weird stuff with the steering? Are there any other options?

 

[Babaganoosh]

I’m not sure which one I have but it’s straight, I got it from ord and think it’s a ford part.

 

[nvrenuf]

@Babaganoosh any problem clearing the frame?

 

[skunked]

I had the same problem, ORD sells a flatter version. Clears the frame fine.

 

[skunked]

From my build thread

 

[K5Devil]

I remember reading about using a ford Van steering arm a long time ago. I still have not grabbed mine yet as it was pretty unclear which one I should get. I have 4” of lift when I asked ORD they said to get the 3” drop but then I see people have issues. So I’m super confused and don’t want to buy two arms haha

 

[K85 Octane]

I run a flat arm and straight draglink on a 5” lift. I say run the flat arm as long as we are talking crossover. The rod end nut just barely clears the frame. And for the life of me I don’t remember what arm it is, ORD or Ford van. Guess I need a picture

 

[skunked]

I remember reading about using a ford Van steering arm a long time ago. I still have not grabbed mine yet as it was pretty unclear which one I should get. I have 4” of lift when I asked ORD they said to get the 3” drop but then I see people have issues. So I’m super confused and don’t want to buy two arms haha

I ran the 3” drop pitman arm for years without issue. Once I switched to high steer I began having clearance issues at full bump. The front axle is also pushed forward a couple inches.

 

[6872xtc]

I will say that I found that there are different lengths of pitman arms, but the flatter one that I got from ORD was correct for my '90. I did have to take a little off of the stud to clear the bottom flange of the frame. Stephen had discussed this when I was ordering parts.

I believe that there is 5.5" center to center, which I believe was the too short one. It didn't match the axle travel amount from stop to stop.

My '70 has the larger drop pitman arm and with only a 4" lift, the drag link rubs the top of the right spring pack with a full left turn. D44 in it, D60 in the '90, both ORD spec springs.
My '90 has some friendly rub marks on the bottom of the right framerail flange from the drag link, I asked for minimum S bend, so more bend may have helped, though I am not positive.

 

[K85 Octane]

Best guess with a tape measure is 6” center to center.

 

[rampage]

Best guess with a tape measure is 6” center to center.
View attachment 475996

That’s cutting it close!

 

[6872xtc]

Best guess with a tape measure is 6” center to center.
View attachment 475996

That's the same one that I have. It worked out well.

That’s cutting it close!

Ehh, OSHA hasn't tagged mine as a pinch point, requiring a guard or yellow caution tape, so it's good, right?

 

[K85 Octane]

Ain’t no witness marks