Took me forever, but I finally sourced an axle from a 77 wagoneer (dana44) and put it in my 78 scout II to correct the steering issues. I'm still running everything that came stock on the scout from the outer c's out. I'm running spring over axle , and here is my Question. Now that the caster is correct, the drag link running from my stock pitman arm is Barely rubbing the underside of my springs in normal driving conditions (no wheeling) .Yes ,I know hi-steer is the ultimate solution, but that's just not in the budget right now. I see 4" pitman arms for sale, but it appears that if it was dropped 4 inches from the steering box, it would be making contact with the top of the drivers side springs! Am I missing something here? Is there a pitman arm that only drops say 2 inches from stock that could help me correct this? Its been some time since I visited the site, and thought there used to be a search within the board so the same questions were not repeated over and over, but could not find that feature. Anyway, any help in this regard would sure be appreciated. Thanks, Dan.

Since you asked nicely and knew about the search feature ill give you my .02 worth. :smokin:

This is an alternative to hi-steer and dropped pitman arm, IF you drill out your knuckle then you can mount you drag link on the bottom side instead of the top side that way you get a little extra room from the spring. I ran this setup for a couple years and worked fine till i updated to hi-steer and hydro assist. It's made from 1.25" solid box... with 3/4 heim joints.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f185/rockn800/MVC-646S.jpg

I don't see too many people using a z-link or drop arm with soa. Leave your tie rod stock and just go high steer with a spacer. You'll be happy you did. I have NO bumpsteer or shimmy at all on my scout.

I think that the waggy arm would be a good idea for you to get your steering ratio back into a good range while you are at it.

Do some searching, it should be a pretty common topic.

Since you asked nicely and knew about the search feature ill give you my .02 worth. :smokin:

This is an alternative to hi-steer and dropped pitman arm, IF you drill out your knuckle then you can mount you drag link on the bottom side instead of the top side that way you get a little extra room from the spring. I ran this setup for a couple years and worked fine till i updated to hi-steer and hydro assist. It's made from 1.25" solid box... with 3/4 heim joints.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f185/rockn800/MVC-646S.jpg

HAAHAHAAAA

Are you serious?

i only said that because he said he didnt have the money 4 hi-steer. i wouldn't build another z link again thats 4 sure.

A good Z-link will work, but many folks think they're booty fab.

If $$$ is an issue, look for a PS flat top Knuckle & 1 highsteer arm.
Not full Hi-steer, you keep the stock tie rod, & have your drag link going to the single arm.

I'll put on my flame suit for a minute....

Here is my z-link

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i216/ChrisCarrigan/soawheeling006.jpg

Its not much of a "z", just enough to avoid hitting the springs. its just DOM tapped on both sides. Since I only have 31's right now its plenty strong enough. Once I go bigger with tires I'll probably end up bracing it until I get highsteer.

Note: This is a trail only scout and never goes above 30 mphs. There is NO WAY I would ever run this on a street legal rig. I know its ghetto, but it works for what I use it for.

Chris

i used to run this:
272389

dom with inserts and heims...i also ran a drop pitman arm (4")...as long as you are shackles forward it shouldnt touch with stock springs...

and those are 36" bias plies...no issue holding up

another shot:
272390

Note: This is a trail only scout and never goes above 30 mphs. There is NO WAY I would ever run this on a street legal rig. I know its ghetto, but it works for what I use it for.

Chris

BTW...i ran that set-up for several years at speeds up to 85mph...how is it any different than that cheesy bent stock tierod that comes from the factory?...31" is not an unheard tire size on a stock vehicle...run what you got and wheel the shit out of it...paint it bright pink if you want...fuck the nay-sayers:beer:

I'll put on my flame suit for a minute....

Here is my z-link

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i216/ChrisCarrigan/soawheeling006.jpg

Its not much of a "z", just enough to avoid hitting the springs. its just DOM tapped on both sides. Since I only have 31's right now its plenty strong enough. Once I go bigger with tires I'll probably end up bracing it until I get highsteer.

Note: This is a trail only scout and never goes above 30 mphs. There is NO WAY I would ever run this on a street legal rig. I know its ghetto, but it works for what I use it for.

Chris


not much of a "z"? more of a "sckwigle" link. that's gunna bend...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/sand73/scout%20draglink%20problems/draglink.jpg

not much of a "z"? more of a "sckwigle" link. that's gunna bend...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/sand73/scout%20draglink%20problems/draglink.jpg

that aint no DOM:p

not much of a "z"? more of a "sckwigle" link. that's gunna bend...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/sand73/scout%20draglink%20problems/draglink.jpg

Who ever did that didn't retaper the knuckle, I retapered mine so the TRE nut is on top of the knuckle, and so I could make as small of a "Z" as possible. And I agree, I'm fairly certain it is only a matter of time until I bend it, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. :flipoff2:

Chris

I have a draglink you can have for 40$. its made by anyhting scout and is DOM. I think it might work if your sprung over on stock springs.

heres a pic:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/sand73/scout%20draglink%20problems/IMG_4793.jpg

Thanks for all the advice as well as the pics as they always help. Yesterday I went to a local 4x4 shop and bought the DOM (1 1/2 x 1/4 inside) as well as the bungs and HD heim joints (3/4 x 3/4 x 16) needed to fab up a safe but practical solution for the problem. Ran me about 100.00 bucks for the parts, my buddys got the bender and the welder, so... I should be in buisness in the next couple of days.Thanks again,Dan.

Whatever you do be sure and post it up with some pictures. Good luck.

Chris