pitman wore or just loose???

[Jason71k10]

for a while now, i've had play in my steering, but i think i found the problem......while turning the st. wheel from side to side i watched to see for any slack in the components. well I found some!!! i could actually grab the drag link assembly and wiggle the whole d.link/pitman arm back and forth! I tried to tighten the bolt on the p.arm where it meshes with the steering gear shaft, but i couldn't budge it! Yet there is still a lot of play in it???

is the nut and bolt just being a pain or seized up?? or is this usually a sign of worn teeth on either the arm or the shaft??

Any advice would be great. Thanks

[Jason71k10]

oh, sorry....it's a 4x4 with power steering, by the way

[Jason71k10]

c'mon, you guys must have something to say about it????

[crazy longhorn]

Is the pitman loose on the steering shaft.......or could it be the shaft is loose in the box?

[Jason71k10]

the pitman is actually loose on the shaft. When I wiggled it, I could see that just the arm was moving, not the shaft

[crazy longhorn]

It sounds like you need to pull the pitman off, & inspect the splines for damage. I wont say never, or always(those 2 words get me into trouble!). As a rule tho, I havent seen that as a problem area....... good luck,crazyL

[Jason71k10]

I was afraid of that.........I live in an apartment now, and neighbors frown upon people working on their cars in the parking lot! haha. Oh well, s&rew 'em! .....I wish I could win the lottery and build a big a$$ shop!..is that too much to ask for? haha
Thanks crazyL

[Mike C]

The pitmans on 4x4 are known to work loose. When they do, they eventually wear themselves out as well as the steering box sector shaft. After 350k miles, I replaced both on my truck. I bought an AGR rockcrawler constant ratio box, but wish I had gone with variable for better on road feel. Had to get their pump as well to validate warranty. The pitman is considered a "no-wear" item and has been discontinued by GM with no replacement numer. However, any year should work. I put one from a 91 3/4 ton Suburban on my Jimmy along with a ProComp 4" steering arm and new drag link. Amazing the difference that made in the steering as well as the thickness of my wallet...