Wrench? I've always used an air powered impact and tightend the PISS outta the pitman arm nut.

 

I am gonna get a 34mm socket today and see if I can tighen it up more with an impact gun. Maybe it is I just don't have enough torque on the pitman. I shouldn't need to get the front end on jack stands to do this? If the steering box is gone is that easy to replace? I wanna get this jeep back right.. Thanks again for all the replies.

 

No jackstand. And don't get crazy.... Just hit the gun in short bursts til you assess if the nut is turning. If its turning, hammer it til it stops.

Steering box is easy, but messy and time consuming.

 

I would guess loose pitman arm nut as well. I just went through that issue. Torq is supposed to be 185 foot pounds if I remember right...

 

People have had their steering box on the JK go bad with less than 20K, so it is possible. Have someone turn the wheel and watch the sector shaft for lateral play.

 

 

I checked the pitman and it is tight. I tightened it up on the drag link side, but i still got a clack. I can grab the drag link near the wheel and it rotates and clacks. The tie rod also clacks. What does that mean? Is this safe to drive?

 

The drag link and the tie rod will both be able to rotate. As long as your pitman arm is tight and does not wiggle, you are good to go.

 

You need a professional to have a look. There's no way to tell online.

 

I am back in business. I tightened up the other end of the pitman arm going to drag link. It just luck I found it. Thanks for all the advice guys. The dirt road I live on must be straight hell on this things steering. I drove it about 20 miles and everything seems good.