Pitman arm install - how close should it be to box?

[siggyfreud]

Hey all,

Quick ? for you.

Torquing down the pitman arm nut and was wondering how exposed the teeth should still be after reaching torque. I read it should be about 41 ft lbs, but I have gone a good bit tighter than that and still there is a large gap. Is this gap normal? I felt the splines engage so I know it's on there in the right spot, but just wondering if anything else might be wrong.



Cheers and thanks

[markeb01]

Here’s what mine looks like:



Mine is a 73(?) power steering box, and although mine looks like it’s on a little tighter, I’m thinking the biggest difference is you can’t see how far on the nut is because it’s a taller Nylock style rather than the factory flat nut and lock washer. I think the most important thing is to make sure you have enough thread engagement in the nut.

[kcsa75]

I believe that that the knob with the splines is slightly cone-shaped so it's not likely to cinch right up. Every one I've ever done, I tightened as tight as I could get it, even using an impact. Certainly don't want that nut coming loose.

[Jake1971]

Mine measures about 7/16" from the pitman arm to the gearbox case.

[bj383ss]

I just did mine and it looks just like yours. I used the big 24" Crescent on it. There is no way mine is coming off.

[siggyfreud]

Thanks guys. The stud is engaged by the nut all the way down to the nylon part of the nut, but doesn't actually go INTO the nylon.

[Captainfab]

I wouldn't use a nylock nut on a critical component such as a pitman arm. I would use either an all steel lock nut (commonly called a prevailing torque nut) or a split lock washer and a jamb nut as the factory used.

[nxtruck]

I just replaced the pitman arm on my 66' two days ago and instructions that came with it said to torque it to 100 - 150 ft.-lbs. I ended up torquing it to 130 ft.-lbs. and I can tell you that it's not quite as high up on the splines as the original one was, but it's not going anywhere, either. And, as Captainfab said, I wouldn't use that type of nut. I'd use the original nut and lock washer, if you still have them.

[1963c-10]

The one I just I installed from moog said 140lbs. I used original the original nut and new lock washer for reinstall.

[siggyfreud]

Thanks all,

I don't have the original bolt/washer, but will grab a different style. I'll torque accordingly as well.