[Mark2Mac]

How do you reinstall the Pitman arm on the steering box (of a 1970 SS-396 with power steering)? I dropped the steering box to clean and paint it, thought I prepared properly by noting & marking the locations of the steering column, rag joint and the shaft coming off the steering box, disconnected the Pitman arm using a puller, then disconnected the rag joint and dropped the steering box. When I went to reinstall it I lined everything up, connected the rag joint and shaft, slid the shaft collar onto the steering column shaft, then bolted in the steering box. I line up the Pitman arm on the steering gear of the steering box, be careful to line up the notches properly, but I can't get the Pitman arm on all the way. I pulled the Pitman arm off again, ensured it was lined up correctly and that there was no damage to the steering gear indicating I'd incorrectly aligned it, tried again and same result. On the botton there's about an 1/8" between the bottom of the steering gear to the bottom of the Pitman arm and on top I can see about 1/2" of the steering gear. I should've take a picture--I can't remember how far the Pitman arm was on originally, but think the bottom of the arm and steering gear should at least be flush.

What am I doing wrong--how do I get the Pitman arm on properly and how far up should it go on the steering gear connection? Note I did not disconnect the Pitman arm from the ball on the steering relay link, just from the steering box. I should also note I'm doing this on jackstands in my garage, not on a hoist like when I rebuilt the front suspension. (Should've done the steering box then.) The assembly manual doesn't help--it just says "reinstall the Pitman arm."

Thanks in advance for you help and patience.

 

[burrodebo]

Im trying to remember, isn't it a taper? Don't you just torque the nut to spec and leave it as is?


On my iPhone again.

 

[shadowgray396]

It is tapered and the torque spec's on it are around 140 lbs if I remember correctly.

 

[DONTWANT2]

I just went out and looked at mine. There is only about an 1/8 to 3/16ths of thread showing below the nut on mine as well. I would say you got it back where it was and the shaft is definitely tapered. So it will only go on so far. Here is the final resting place. Hope this helps.

 

[65Camino]

Be sure to use the lock washer. You will need a socket that will fit on a 3/4 inch drive ratchet. I believe it's 1 5/16. You may be able to rent one with that size socket. May be easyer to tork the nut after the steering box is mounted to the frame.

 

[Mark2Mac]

Thanks a lot, guys! The picture in particular helps a lot--that's exactly what mine looks like right now.

Yes, I used the lock washer. I need to back the nut off though and retorque it--I'm sure I overtorqued it trying to seat the Pitman arm further on the steering gear. I bought the socket--about $17 at Sears and another $5 or something for a 3/4" to 1/2" adapter. It's definitely easier to torque it down with the steering box mounted on the frame; don't think I could've done it with off the frame.

Thanks again--I appreciate your help very much!

 

[DONTWANT2]

I guess if it were me, I wouldn't worry about over torquing enough to mess with it. you have already pushed it that far onto the taper. It's tight, leave it were it's at.

 

[71350SS]

Mark,
The way the pitman arm looks in don'twant2's picture is about how it should look.Its impossible to pull it all the way down onto the box.Don't worry about over torquing it if you do usually the lock washer will deform 1st.just don't back it off and leave it that way,too tight is safer than too loose.I've sent many a car down the road with just a impact gun tightening ain't saying its right only that it works.

 

[burrodebo]

Yep, I snugged mine down tight with a BFW, don't know how tight, but it's tight.


On my iPhone again.

 

[frankfrancis421950]

Mine is the same way, there was a gap between the pitman arm it's steering box to begin with. It's not meant to go all the way on. Torque it to 120 lb and be done with it.