Steering box removal

[Purs]

Can someone give me some pointers on removing a power steering box from a '71 or '72 pickup. I removed the four bolts from the frame and the box came loose, however, the pitman arm (?) is still attached to the rest of the steering parts. I removed the cotter pin and castle nut and figured it would just lift off, WRONG. Can someone tell me where I went to wrong? thanks.

[dregs454]

you need a pitman arm puller, it can be done without, but it involves large hammers, and possible damage to the box

[Green Machine]

I think he's removing the other end, the linkage end has the cotter pin and castle nut. Put a large hammer on each side of the linkage by the rod end and rap hard several times. Do not pound on arm. That should work. BTW this end should be taken of first IMHO. (edit) Do not use a pickle fork it will ruin the seal.

[Purs]

sorry, I should've be more clear. I left the pitman arm attached to the box because I thought I needed it to put it on my '68. The pin and nut I removed was on the other end of the pitman arm that attaches to the rest of the steering linkages. I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the proper terms of steering parts.

[dregs454]

Well, I was also talkin about the end with the castle nut, I didn't know that a pitman arm puller was only supposed to be used for one side. I've taken several boxes off, and most of them are very hard, and the above mentioned hammer method has never worked for me, I think the boxes I've pulled have all been to old and rusty.

[Green Machine]

You are keeping the arm right? and trying remove the whole thing from the linkage right ? Give the hammer on each side a try, it should work.

[Purs]

thanks guys, I'll give it shot. Yes, I'm keeping the arm because my '68 has manual steering and I thought I needed this pitman arm to make it work with my setup. This box is dirty but doesn't look that rusty.

Is there a way to tell if the box is no good?