Is there a certain way to installing the pitman arm on the box? I did it like I did any other straight axle steering but it actually wore the splines on the output shaft on the box completely off and that is where my play in my steering is coming from. I have about 1/2 turn in the pitman arm of play.

 

Generally, you just stick it on there, and torque the nut down to some stupid number. Some are key, some are not. Wearing off the splines on the shaft would suggest it wasn't torqued down enough...... Time to replace the box.

 

And, possibly the pitman arm... If splines are worn on the steering box output shaft, then both the steering gearbox and likely the pitman arm will need to be replaced.

 

I'm replacing the box (with my second RedHat) and the pitman arm. I you're it down to 250lbs. I'm just glad the California technician caught that.

I am replacin both as a precaution