So I am changing the gear box, and I am having a difficult time getting the old pitman arm over the new gear box shaft. I can get the collar of the pitman arm, the washer and the nut on, and have the nut flush with the bottom of the shaft. However, when I remove the nut and washer off, you can see the collar of the pitman arm hasn't fully engaged the shaft of the gear box.

Anyone else have any problems with the pitman arm not wanting to set?

Know of any tricks to getting it on?

Really shouldn't be this difficult.

 

try taking a wire wheel to it and knock the crude off it. lube it up with a little grease or vasoline and try it again

 

Well that helped out a bit.
Probably got all but about 1/8 inch of the collar on the shaft.
Nut is seated a little below flush as well, so I'm happy with that.
Thanks for the input.