river_runner81

does the grand cherokee pitman arm have more of a drop than the xj? can they be swapped? or does a guy even need to mess with changing it on a 5" lift?

winston427

The ZJ pitman will give a 1 inch drop over a stock XJ pitman arm. It may not be necassary to do the drop on a 5 inch lift but will help with the steering angles. They are fully interchangeable and I have even seen some XJs in the jy with the longer pitman arm stock. It all depends on what options came on the XJ so if you are getting one measure yours before you go through the trouble of pulling it off. You can also benefit from a tie rod from a ZJ with a V8. The stock XJ tie rod is made from a rolled sheet metal tube that is very weak and vulnerable the bending with larger offroad tires. The V8 ZJ tie rod is a solid steel unit that is much stronger.

river_runner81

k. this 90 xj i have now has a 6" lift. i was looking at changing the pitman arm. i found one on ebay out of the zj and was just wondering. i have a habit of looking of cheap fixes. the playground for this jeep is known for swallowing toys.

winston427

I would definately do the tie rod upgrade then. I bent mine the first time I took it off road. The stock ones for the XJ are just to weak for wheeling action. If I had my tools with me this morning I could have had several ZJ V8 tie rods from a jy in Memphis.

river_runner81

right on, i'll have a look in the morning. this 90xj is off roaded in a sandy river bottom. i figured, if i break/bend something i'll replace it. we'll see, i haven't messed with the xj's much.