changing pitman arm??
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changing pitman arm??
the front end guy told me my pitman arm is bad and causing the slop in steering so i wanna change it out my self can anyone tell me the best and easiest way to remove it and replace it thanx for any advise before i start
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Joined: May 2008
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From: NH
Depending on where you buy it, you can rent a puller for free. You need that and a socket to fit it and a breaker bar. It's easy actually. There are splines on it that will only let you put it back on the same. Just don't let anyone turn the steering wheel while it's off. And I hope you have a torque wrench. And where it connects to the drag link undo the bolt and use a tie rod fork (do this first then remove the pitman arm from the steering box). While you are there get a Haynes manual.
Sorry I'm on meds for my back right now, do not use a fork you will ruin the boot. Just undo the nut until it's just over the ends of the threads, give the pitman arm a few good whacks on the side where the joint goes through it and then whack the nut to break it loose.
Sorry I'm on meds for my back right now, do not use a fork you will ruin the boot. Just undo the nut until it's just over the ends of the threads, give the pitman arm a few good whacks on the side where the joint goes through it and then whack the nut to break it loose.
Last edited by zman17; Jan 7, 2009 at 05:19 PM.
Legend
Joined: May 2005
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From: Central Oklahoma
IIRC, that thing is held in place with 300/ft-lbs of torque. If you get a puller, then what I'd recommend is that you remove the nut, rap it with a hammer, and then install the puller. Tighten the puller and then go a couple of turns. Rap with the hammer and then another turn; otherwise, it will pop off with a very loud *BANG* that will scare the **** out of you.
The trick is tightening it to the proper torque.
The trick is tightening it to the proper torque.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: NH
Ok, the meds are really kicking in now LOL! First of all how about some info on the truck? IIRC 2 wheel is different than 4 wheel drive. And at least on a 4 wheel I find it hard to believe it's bad since it's a solid piece of steel. And if it is a 2 wheel you can use the fork.
And btw, the torque for the arm to the gear box is 185lbs.
And btw, the torque for the arm to the gear box is 185lbs.
Last edited by zman17; Jan 7, 2009 at 05:36 PM.
Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
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From:
I tried removing the pitman arm with a puller, with the fork wedge, and hammering on it from the top side and couldn't get the arm off until I used all three. Of course the fork wedge won't slide over the puller. So, I ground the fork wider and the puller narrower.
I tightened the puller, drove the wedge in, tightened the puller again, then hit the wedge to make sure everything was tight. Then I also used a metal rod to hit the arm from the topside. Another hit on the wedge and was then able to use the puller to remove the arm.
I tightened the puller, drove the wedge in, tightened the puller again, then hit the wedge to make sure everything was tight. Then I also used a metal rod to hit the arm from the topside. Another hit on the wedge and was then able to use the puller to remove the arm.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
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From: NH
My back is toast and at least for one more day the meds are staying with me! LOL Sorry
And besides, if your wife is anything like mine the the only thing that will work is to get rid of us.
And besides, if your wife is anything like mine the the only thing that will work is to get rid of us.
Last edited by zman17; Jan 7, 2009 at 06:28 PM.