Pitman arm and Idler arm replacement

[1969 Project]

Hey guys. I have my new Moog Pitman and Idler arm, my question is, is there any tips or anything I should look out for when replacing? From what I can see it looks pretty straight forward. Thanks in advance!

[sprint_9]

Make sure you torque your pitman arm to the steering box, I think it says the correct number on the instruction sheet in the box with it. If I remember correctly its around 200 ft/lbs, give or take.

Also if you dont have a pitman arm puller, or equivalent, your going to want to borrow or buy one.

[1969 Project]

thanks for the info! Quick question and maybe a dumb one... does it matter if the truck is on all fours while doing this or does it need to be raised on jack stands?

[leftybass209]

it doesn't matter if it's on the ground or not. The amount of torque needed to tighten the nut will turn the wheels whether they're up or down. Just follow the torque specs and you should be okay. Removal of the original pitman arm could be difficult... so you may need an impact to spin it off.

[1969 Project]

Thank you sir! Do you happen to know the torque specs on the pitman arm to steering linkage nut?

[leftybass209]

From the GM chassis manual:

Idler arm to frame bolt nuts- 30ft lbs

Idler arm to relay rod nut- 70ft lbs/ 100ft lbs in correct position for insertion of cotter pin. Do not back off nut for cotter pin insertion

pitman arm to relay rod nut- 70ft lbs/ 100ft lbs in correct position for insertion of cotter pin. Do not back off nut for cotter pin insertion

pitman arm to pitman shaft nut- 125ft lbs

steering gear to frame bolts- 110ft lbs

Hope that helps!

[1969 Project]

I have both of the bolts removed and the pitman arm almost off the shaft but one side comes off up and one side comes off down... any tips on how to get the pitman arm off? thanks for the torque info. I have another question, if you don't mind. I installed a 4/6 drop kit (springs and spindles) a couple of months ago. I replaced ball joints, tierods and bearings. I noticed today when I grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 position I have a little play but side to side has no play. Any idea on what that could be?

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by 1969 Project

I have both of the bolts removed and the pitman arm almost off the shaft but one side comes off up and one side comes off down... any tips on how to get the pitman arm off? thanks for the torque info. I have another question, if you don't mind. I installed a 4/6 drop kit (springs and spindles) a couple of months ago. I replaced ball joints, tierods and bearings. I noticed today when I grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 position I have a little play but side to side has no play. Any idea on what that could be?

Did you replace your rag joint? Some play can be caused by that as well. Even some rebuilt steering boxes will have a tiny bit of play.

FWIW, I notice you have 2 different threads going. It may help for you to keep it all inside one thread. It confused me to reply to one thread missing information that was in this thread.

[1969 Project]

Sorry about that!
I will also be replacing the idler arm and the rag joint. I did notice the idler arm was bad as well as the rag joint so I decided to just replace the pitman arm as well since everything else has been replaced, I didn't want to leave it out of the equation.

[rcazwillis]

Sounds like it is ball joint related. With no side to side, it eliminates bearings.