Bumpsteer on 2inch lifted 2wd 1990 Ranger

[slowestranger]

I am experiencing bad bump steer on my 90 2wd ranger after putting a 2 inch front lift with new shocks and spring spacers. I got the camber bushings from moog to correct the extreme positive camber, but I am experiencing bad bump steer still. I am considering the I beam drop brackets so that my springs won't have the slight bow in them, but I am not sure how this will help the steering issue. I am seeing dropped pitman arms for sale and that seems like it would bring the steering geometry closer to the I beam geometry. If I get just the dropped pitman arm will it correct the problem, or will I definitely need the I beam drop brackets? Lastly, the only dropped pitman arms I see are suggested for lifts over 4inches. Is there one for just a 2 inch lift or will the 4inch drop pitman do the trick? Sorry for the long post, thanks for any help!

 

[Curious Hound]

I would expect a drop pitman arm to help. I doubt that anybody makes drop brackets for a 2” lift. Have you read This article in the tech section? There is some other good reading there including a steering troubleshooting article.

 

[slowestranger]

No somehow I hadn't come across that article but I am reading it now and it is definitely helping. Thanks for the quick response and pointing me in the right direction.

 

[4x4junkie]

2WD Ranger pitman arms are flatter (have less drop) than 4WD arms. I would think just swapping to a stock 4WD pitman arm would be enough to get your steering back in check. If you find you need to go further (such as after having installed your 2" drop brackets), then a standard aftermarket dropped arm might be the next step.


Pitman arms go in increments like this (using your stock 2WD arm as the reference):

Stock 2WD arm = 0"
Stock 4WD arm = 2" drop
Standard aftermarket arm = 4" drop
Skyjacker #FA600 drop arm = 6" drop

 

[slowestranger]

Thanks, that's generally how I understood it just could never convince myself I was for sure right. I got a procomp 2 inch drop pitman arm that I will be trying to install today. Fingers crossed it fixes the problem! I will update when I'm done.

 

[Samzwell]

2WD Ranger pitman arms are flatter (have less drop) than 4WD arms. I would think just swapping to a stock 4WD pitman arm would be enough to get your steering back in check. If you find you need to go further (such as after having installed your 2" drop brackets), then a standard aftermarket dropped arm might be the next step.


Pitman arms go in increments like this (using your stock 2WD arm as the reference):

Stock 2WD arm = 0"
Stock 4WD arm = 2" drop
Standard aftermarket arm = 4" drop
Skyjacker #FA600 drop arm = 6" drop

Been dealing with the same issue on my 1987 Ranger w/ 2in lift. Any chance you would have a part number on the correct 4WD Stock pitman arm to drop mine 2in? I've been trying to research it the last couple hours after seeing your response but can not get consistent results for the life of me. I assume what I need is the stock high rider pitman arm as the high rider/STX had a factory 2in lift. Also assuming I need a power steering pitman as my 2wd has power steering. UNLESS the highrider option was 2in ADDITIONAL lift over a stock 2in lift on the 4wd truck for a 4in total drop? Mevotek GK8829 is what I've found so far. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes, the STX Highrider pitman arm would be dropped 4" vs your stock 2WD arm (it's the same as a standard aftermarket drop arm).

GK8829 appears to be the part you're after.
A pitman arm isn't normally a wear item though, you might be able to score one cheaper at a wrecking yard (bring a 1-5/16" wrench and a pitman puller if you go to a self-service yard).
Any '83-'97 Ranger 4WD (except STX Highrider), all '91-'94 Explorers (2 & 4WD), and all '84-'90 Bronco II (2 & 4WD) will have the arm you're looking for (just make sure there's no lift on it, otherwise it might not have the original arm).

 

[Snoranger]

Here’s a fun fact for you lifted 2wd guys...

If you find an ‘89-90 2wd Bronco II, the tie rod ends go in from the top of the steering arm in the knuckle. On the Ranger, the tie rod ends go in from the bottom. Just by swapping in the BII knuckles, you can move your steering linkages up about 3-4”.