Shorter Steering Ratio?

[sureshot007]

I'd like to shorten the steering ratio on the rally truck. If figure I only have a few (cheap/easy) options:

1) Longer pitman arm

2) Camaro steering box

I'm exploring the idea of a longer pitman arm. I've heard guys taking forged drop arms and flattening them out (many say it's a bad idea, others say they've never had any issues). Ideally, I'd rather not modify something so that it could become a point of failure. Are there any oem pitman arms that are longer and bolt on? I've seen CJ5 arms are flat, but uses a different tie rod bolt size, and I've heard mention of Astro van or Ranger arms as well.

So, can anyone point me in the right direction for some info on this?

 

[ktm racer 419]

Fullsize jeep pitman arms are about an inch longer than our xj pitman arms. You would need a fsj drop pitman arm to match the same drop as a stock xj however. Its a popular mod for those of us requiring more throw to match the longer throw of dana44 and dana 60 knuckles.

 

[Cache96]

A stock ZJ arm is 1" longer, why not just get a aftermarket dropped pitman arm?

 

[sureshot007]

I just ran across this thread:http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=857210

It has a lot of info on different pitman arms lengths and interchangeability. Just thought I'd post it here since I hate when I find a thread with the same questions I'm searching, but lacks a answer.

 

[98cherokeedriver]

You can also swap in a zj steering box. It's the same ratio as the Camaro box, but has the same output sweep as the xj box. The Camaro box is less. I did this swap and love it. The swap is popular with muscle cars, but it seems very few people do it here.

 

[sureshot007]

I *think* I have a zj box in the garage somewhere - is there any way to identify it by looks?

 

[98cherokeedriver]

Not that I know of. You can use a degree wheel to spec the ratio. Print one out off of the web and calculate the input turns to output turns. It should be approximately 12.7 to 1.

 

[BarracudaBlueXJ]

I had a box from a fullsize wagoneer in my xj for awhile and I am pretty sure it was a faster ratio. Not sure if anyone else can confirm this?

 

[Goatman]

Parts Mike sells a flat pitman arm that you drill your own hole for the length that you want. What steering gear ratio are you looking for? All this ZJ, Camaro, etc talk is fine, but it's useless without knowing what the actual ratios are. Stock XJ is 14 to 1. In my XJ buggy and in our XJ KOH racer we run a 12 to 1. A 9 to 1 ratio box is also available. You can also use a steering reducer that goes between the steering gear and the steering shaft.

 

[FatCity Ryan]

This one is your best option. Had one on our last car and putting one in the car I have now.

http://www.pscmotorsports.com/delphi-12-1-ratio-jeep-speed-racing-gear.html

 

[crazyjim]

This one is your best option. Had one on our last car and putting one in the car I have now.

http://www.pscmotorsports.com/delphi-12-1-ratio-jeep-speed-racing-gear.html

Huh? You getting back into JS? Or is this for Austin's Jeep?

 

[FatCity Ryan]

Working on a SCORE legal 4 seat pre-runner.

 

[sureshot007]

12:1 sounds nice...but $600+ is a little rich for my budget.

I'm not going for a specific ratio, just the best I can get for the least amount of cash.

 

[XJLI]

12:1 sounds nice...but $600+ is a little rich for my budget.

I'm not going for a specific ratio, just the best I can get for the least amount of cash.

the waggy drop arm is the cheapest way. longer arm = pretend faster steering ratio.

 

[Goatman]

You can get a budget 12-1 steering gear from PSC for close to $200. You have to ask for the budget version. They don't put the fancy caps on it but it still has good internal parts.

 

[sureshot007]

Now that sounds more reasonable. I'll have to check that out.