I'm finally getting back around to working on my 1 ton swap. I've stretched the front to where I want it, but now I'm running into an issue with the steering box. The lower connection point of the pitman arm is about 2" behind the toe rod.

I see I have two options (fully hydro is NOT an option for this vehicle):

• The "easiest" solution would be to go grab an astro van box and install it. This would certainly set the pitman arm to clear the toe rod, however it would also shift the connection point about 10" to the front (with respect to where the stock connection point currently is). This would put the drag link at quite an angle "back" to the axle.
• Alternatively, I could always cut and modify the frame to relocate the XJ box forward about 3 to 5 inches.

I could use some input from others as to how much drag link angle is too much. It seems that the drag link should ideally be as near straight as possible since this would result in the most efficient/responsive steering, but then again it might be me overthinking the issue.

 

The steering on Jeeps is poop. I don't think you're going to be able to make it that much worse.... XD

 

You'll likely find more experience with mods like this on Pirate4x4 or the like.

Your drag link should be perpendicular to the pitman arm in the vertical plane with the steering pointing forward. I can't comment on how much angle off perpendicular is too much. If it was me I'd be looking at moving the box to the correct position.

 

I'd rework the frame and move the box.

you could possibly make a pitman but it would need to match knuckles steering arm length from centerline of ball joints. This is probly longer than the current pitman arm