Pitman Arm - Mid year

[Ron Fratoni]

I just rebuilt my steering box and I "think" I am having trouble reinstalling the pitman arm. It goes onto the shaft, but does not bottom out to the end of the threads. There is about 1/16" left to go before the flat part at the bottom of the spline would be flush with the underside of the pitman arm. Is that normal? Or should I remove it and start over again?

[Duke W.]

Re: Pitman Arm - Mid year

Both the pitman shaft and arm have an index notch, so be sure you have them lined up so the arm is properly indexed to the shaft. The shaft is tapered, but the arm should go on enough to get the lockwasher and nut started so you can drive the nut and properly torque it.

It's easy for the two to bind a bit. Assuming the pitman arm is still attached to the relay rod, you want to support the weight of the relay rod and wiggle it up and down a bit so the pitman arm doesn't bind against the shaft because it's a bit cocked. Also be sure the splines on both parts are squeaky clean and use a very light lubricant like WD-40 or even mineral spirits, which will soon completely evaporate.

Duke

[Ron Fratoni]

Re: Pitman Arm - Mid year

Thanks for the response, Duke. You are right in assuming that it is still attached to the relay rod. The index marks lined up properly and it started on fairly easily, but required heavy torque a lot sooner than I think it should have. I had a feeling that it might be cocked a bit, but I hoped it would find the proper angle as I tightened it. I am going to pull it off and use your suggestions of supporting the rod and doing a better job of cleaning the grooves.

Thanks again.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pitman Arm - Mid year

Ron-----

I would not use anything too abrasive on the splines of the Pitman shaft. These splines are copper plated and you don't want to remove this plating.

[John H.]

Re: Pitman Arm - Mid year

Ron -

When it's tight (140 lb-ft.), you'll probably only have one or two threads showing past the end of the nut.

[Ron Fratoni]

Re: Pitman Arm - Mid year

Thanks for all the suggestions. I took it off - cleaned it up nicely - and reinstalled it by tapping it on evenly until it was firm. Tightened it up to 140+ and two threads were showing. Now I can feel comfortable knowing that it's on straight.