Drop Pitman Arm Vs. Tie Rod Flip

I've wanted to do the 2.5" skyjacker softride lift kit for my '66 Cj5 for a while now and I think I'm about ready to start the project. I've had a lot of trouble finding a drop pitman arm for the '66 model with manual steering and I stumbled upon this tie rod flipping concept which I had never heard of. Surely there must be a drop pitman arm for my model out there somewhere...right? Which do you prefer? Should I keep searching for the pitman arm or just flip the tie rods? I'm not a rock crawler, although this jeep is used for 100% off-roading.

Thanks
-Henri

 

I vote flip. It puts less stress on the components overall.

 

Ditto, a pretty easy job.

 

With 2.5 inches it may not need anything.

 

You didn't mention if your steering is stock Ross steering or a manual Saginaw conversion. In either case the tie-rod flip would get my vote. I have a '71 with small lift and stock steering and I do get some bump steer on large bumps. I have not seen any dropped arms for a Ross bell-crank. mike

 

I have an old 2.5" lift and it would constantly bind when off road before doing the flip.

 

Thanks, it is stock steering. I appreciate everyone's input. Sounds like the flip is the way to go. What's the preferred kit? I've seen mention of the goferit kit but it says it's for dana 30 not 27, does that matter ?

 

With a D27 I used this kit. No need to buy the reamer. I have one but it is currently being borrowed. The inserts by themselves were $13.95 each and you need 3. If I get the reamer back soon you are welcome to use it. All I ask is you pay the freight. It easily fits in a small flat rate USPS.
Rock Equipment Tie Rod Flip Kit

 

When you say stock steering is that wit the two piece O.E.M parts or a one piece tie-rod conversion ? Just wondering. pictures are always welcome here.

 

I'll have to look and post pictures, not sure

 

Thats mighty friendly! Would be happy to do that

 

Ditto, makes a huge difference.

 

Let me know and I'll see when the reamer will be heading back to me.

 

Yes please let me know when you'd have it back and I'll pay for the shipping. No rush.

 

Yes, the flip is the way to go.

 

This is what my linkage looks like. Excuse the mud. I can definitely see how flipping to the top will straighten the angles out nicely. So my understanding is that I unhook the tie rods at the knuckles, ream out the holes on top, install that tapered insert, and reattach the tie rods? Simple as that?

 

Simple as that.

 

Do the inserts just press in? Or do they need to be welded?

 

Someone else will chime in. I've only ever used the goferit ones that weld in; I'm not sure about the OK4wd ones.

 

Henri, at this point you may want to do a 1 piece tie-rod conversion when you do the "flip". They are available premade from venders such as herm @ hermtheoverdriveguy.com and others.Also do search on this site. You may want to do the lift kit and drive it and see how feels before you decide on the tie-rod work. Your opening a can of worms once you start modifying what appears to be a classic original cj5.