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Drop Pitman Arm Vs. Tie Rod Flip

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Henri Watson, Feb 7, 2019.

  1. Feb 7, 2019
    Henri Watson

    Henri Watson Member

    Mississippi
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    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
     
  2. Feb 7, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    I vote flip. It puts less stress on the components overall.
     
    Rich M. likes this.
  3. Feb 7, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Ditto, a pretty easy job.
     
  4. Feb 7, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    With 2.5 inches it may not need anything.
     
  5. Feb 7, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    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
     
  6. Feb 7, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I have an old 2.5" lift and it would constantly bind when off road before doing the flip.
     
  7. Feb 7, 2019
    Henri Watson

    Henri Watson Member

    Mississippi
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    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 ?
     
  8. Feb 7, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    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
     
  9. Feb 7, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    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.
     
  10. Feb 7, 2019
    Henri Watson

    Henri Watson Member

    Mississippi
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    I'll have to look and post pictures, not sure
     
  11. Feb 7, 2019
    Henri Watson

    Henri Watson Member

    Mississippi
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    Thats mighty friendly! Would be happy to do that
     
  12. Feb 7, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Ditto, makes a huge difference.
     
  13. Feb 7, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Let me know and I'll see when the reamer will be heading back to me.
     
  14. Feb 7, 2019
    Henri Watson

    Henri Watson Member

    Mississippi
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    Yes please let me know when you'd have it back and I'll pay for the shipping. No rush.
     
  15. Feb 7, 2019
    RATTYFLATTY

    RATTYFLATTY I think you need a little more throttle

    Central MN
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    Yes, the flip is the way to go.
     
  16. Feb 8, 2019
    Henri Watson

    Henri Watson Member

    Mississippi
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    20190208_104913.jpg 20190208_104908.jpg


    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?
     

    Attached Files:

    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  17. Feb 8, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Simple as that.
     
  18. Feb 8, 2019
    1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Raleigh, NC
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    Do the inserts just press in? Or do they need to be welded?
     
  19. Feb 8, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Someone else will chime in. I've only ever used the goferit ones that weld in; I'm not sure about the OK4wd ones.
     
  20. Feb 8, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    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.
     
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