BJ8 Steering Adjustment

[stever]

I have done something "wrong" and cannot figure out why the problem exists. I removed the pitman arm from my steering box to replace the seal. This was a pain, but no real problem. The problem is the reassembly isn't going well. When I put the pitman arm back on the spined shaft the wheels exhibit a marked "toe out" - and I mean a lot. This is very visible. I cannot figure out how this can be as I have not touched the tie rods, etc. Just the steering pitman arm. So, now I am trying to figure out what to do. Seems like I need to get the steering wheel centered properly and slide the pitman arm on, bolt it down, etc. and then loosen the tie rod ends and line up the wheels as best I can and then get the front end aligned. Does this sound right? Am I missing something here? I feel really 'stupid' because I am betting that there is an easy explanation and "fix".....but I have pondered on it for two days and decided to just show my ignorance (again...) and go for it. Help! Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Stever,
The most likely thing is that you installed the pitman arm upside down. This would put it's angled end pointing inboard instead of the correct outboard & considerably increase the toe out. By maybe two inches?
D

 

[stever]

Well, Dave, I will check that out ASAP in the morning. This is truely weird if it is the cause as I didn't disconnect the other end at all, just dropped it and put in the seal and put it back. HOWEVER, after posting this post I realized that I had done the same thing with the idler arm lever. Perhaps I put one or both of these arms back in the wrong position??? I really had thought I had them "exactly like they came out....". I will definitely take a look. Thank you so much for your thoughts!

 

[stever]

Well, good news! My BJ8 now tracks straight, steers well and is "fun" again! I 'reinstalled' the pitman arm to the steering box and somehow the toe-out situation was much, much better - only 1/2inch. Drove terribly as expected to the wheel alignment shop. Adjusted toe-in and now the steering wheel is aligned properly, the wheels point properly and she drives like a dream again! THe drive home was great! Still haven't a clue really as to why the alignment got so far off. Glad that is over! However, while she was on the rack I noticed a bit of brake fluid on the driver side rear tire. Guess it is time for a new/rebuild wheel cylinder. It's been about fifteen years or so since the last time so I suppose I shouldn't complain! But, it does seem to be always something.