Pitman Arm

[ak diesel driver]

Anyone got any tricks for getting the pitman arm off on my 4 wheel drive? Can't get it off the steering box.

 

[davo727]

You just plain have to have the official pitman arm removal tool, you can buy it at auto parts store or some stores may let you borrow it. Dont waste time trying anything else.

 

[packratt]

http://www.dieseltowingresource.com/showthread.php?t=7248&highlight=pitman

 

[fastjohnny]

Unbolt the steering box, rotate sideways so you can get puller on, otherwise, crossmember is in the way.

I torched off the balljoint end of the pitman arm as I was replacing all tie rod ends and it was easier to do with the center link in the vise.

 

[bk95td]

You might want to try heating the pitman arm with the puller on. Careful not to get the flame near the steering box seal. I bent the jaws on a snap on puller getting one off. A strong puller and a strong impact wrench might work or all of the above together if really stubborn.

 

[mitchedo]

I recently pulled the pitman arm on my 67 Chevelle. Here's how I did it.

1. install pitman arm puller (after you've removed the nut from the steering shaft, of course)
2. crank it down (not with an air wrench) really good and tight
3. If it doesn't pop, then smack the pitman arm (right where it's bolted to the box) with a 3 lb hammer

As soon as I whacked it with the BFH, the arm popped loose. It wasn't gonna budge otherwise. I didn't have to get much of a swing to hit it, but I did have to give it a good whack. I don't think yer typical nail-driving hammer would have done the trick.

 

[ak diesel driver]

Finished up my steering repairs just to let anyone who may be interested I was able to push the steering box up towards the steering wheel enough to get a puller on it. I couldn't get it to rotate with taking off the hydraulic lines. I also had to disconnect the inner tie rod to get enough clearance for the puller.

 

[Joey D]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1245&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I used this puller I bought off the snap on guy. It beats the jaw type pullers and is compact enough.
I removed the bolts to the steering box so I can rotate it just enough to slide the puller on, air gun it and it pops off.

 

[DMDK]

Removing at least two of the steering box bolts were the ticket. Wish I would have known before I just did it.

Any one know if it is a big deal if the steering box shaft came out 3/16'' when i was using a slide hammer trying to remove the pitman arm. Thanks:mad2: