i dont know why it messed it up either, it was the pitman arm that was suggested with the kit.
The only reason im saying to try the stock one is because on my old truck i had a 6 inch lift and used the stock pitman arm and never had any trouble with the steering
I'd honestly see how it drives before you put a drop pitman arm on...i didnt so i dont know how it will work out. But im thinking that just dropping it 1 inch wont do that much so it might work out really well for you or you might be in the same boat i was :(
i also have a 96 with 6.5 inch long arm and i just bought the pitman arm that went with the kit. I would not suggest changing it, i have a hell of a time with my steering now, had to relocate my track bar mount and its just a hell mess :(
I run them on my cherokee 6.5 bds long arm and they work great, i dont believe they provide any significant amount of lift, i think maybe 3/8 of an inch (read it on forums somewhere) i didnt notice any myself.
i have a 6.5 inch bds long arm and revolver shackles on my 96 xj and still run w/o SYE...only time i get any vibration is cruisin on the highway at 70mph :)
Im not sure if this will work but take the shackle off of your old leaf pack and put it back in and mount the revolver shackle to it, this should give you enough clearance so your arent hitting anything. I have 5 inch lift springs in the back and a 1.5 inch lift shackle and i have my revolvers...