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Won't Turn Left Far, Turns Right Much Further. Steering Adjustment?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Carbine, May 10, 2010.

  1. May 10, 2010
    Carbine

    Carbine New Member

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    Apr 27, 2010
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    I got a '73 304AMC manual steer that I just picked up off a guy a couple weeks ago. Its got 33" ProComps and a 2.5" Suspension lift. Any way my problem is my jeep will turn all the way right, it doesn't rub (Maybe a little more than 45*). But it will only go a little ways to the left (Say about 20*). I tried dropping the pitman arm and moving a tooth but it has a groove that doesn't allow adjustment. How can I adjust the steering to fix this. Thanks
     
  2. May 10, 2010
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    Does it have a drop pitman arm on it? if so sounds like someone used the wrong one that is "clocked" incorrectly at the splines. Run into this all the time, in fact this question gets asked pretty frequently. Common issue after a lift kit is installed.
     
  3. May 10, 2010
    Carbine

    Carbine New Member

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    I think it is the stock pitman arm (I mean it drops a little, but I think its stock). My friend has a drop pitman and it drops much more than mine. Maybe I need a drop pitman arm to fix my steering?
     
  4. May 10, 2010
    dnb71R2

    dnb71R2 SuperDave 2023 Sponsor

    Grand Mesa, CO
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    Aug 13, 2006
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    Are the stops adjusted properly in the steering knuckles?
    When you had the pitman arm off, did you try moving the wheel farther to the left (making sure there's no problem with the steering box)?
    Post two pictures showing the pitman arm and most of the drag link in both far L/H and far R/H turns. You might include pics of the wheels/tires and their proximity to the frame rails.
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2010
  5. May 10, 2010
    Carbine

    Carbine New Member

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    Alright I post some pics up when I get home.
     
  6. May 10, 2010
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Sep 17, 2009
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    Would not a drag link that is "too long" also produce this-bottoming on stop to right but running out of travel to left? Turn the steering wheel to both extremes and then to the middle (counting turns). Does this leave the wheels directly forward? If not, adjust the drag link so it does. If this does not address the problem, it is almost certainly in the pitman.
     
  7. May 10, 2010
    Carbine

    Carbine New Member

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    From what I remember the other day it would take like 2 or 3 turns to the left and about 5 or 6 to the right. So its got to be the drag linkage then. Shorten it up. What you guys think a couple inches probably should do the trick.
     
  8. May 10, 2010
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Wow, thats a lot of difference-and probably more than the drag link would produce unless it is an odd ball replacement. I think I would center the wheels, pull pitman, center steering wheel as close as possible, and reinstall pitman-may take care of it.
     
  9. May 11, 2010
    Carbine

    Carbine New Member

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    I tried that but the pitman was keyed and only fit one way. I guess I could grind out the key and move the pitman arm.
     
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