Pitman arm

[taylorbg]

I am replacing all the steering parts on my front end. Do I need a drop pitman arm? I would rather not spend the $115 if I do not have to. Below is a picture of my truck and a picture of the existing pitman arm. I have ordered all Moog lower and upper ball joints, upper, lower, inner and outer tie rods ends, and adjustment sleeve.

I am also going to get a Leaf spring polyurethane bushing set.

Is there anything else I should replace while I am in there?

1972 4x4 Suburban

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sj...l/k10-suburban

[k5xjfiles]

If you feel the angle is bad....which it does not look bad to me.....no sense replacing it.

[franken]

If you don't have a big lift no. It that 4-6"?
Pics come out better if the sun's behind you.

[Mike C]

I replaced mine on the Jimmy because it was just worn out after 300k plus miles. If you can tighten the pinch bolt and it doesn't move up and down like mine did when turning the wheel, it should be good to go.

[backwoodsK20]

Is one required for a 4-6" lift? even to be on the safe side? I have the same question about my build, and I won't mind dropping ~$130 if it's the better way to go.

[Mr. 250r]

Its usually just required when the angle is no longer "level" per se i am not sure where its going to come in at exactly in terms of lift size but your pitman arm angle isn't really bad as stated you would probably need the smallest possible drop otherwise its going to push it past level. From the looks i think a 1-2in drop would probably put it at level not sure how much that would help though.

[Bigdav160]

I'd buy one. I think I only paid $60 from Summit for a raised steering arm. Even with a 2" lift my Suburban had pretty good amount of bump steer.

[backwoodsK20]

Wait, doesn't the raised steering arm accomplish the same thing? Reason I ask is most companies offer this as an option with their lift kits for ~$95 and i'm wondering if I could just do that.

[bmchevy1979]

On my 74 I know different body style but same setup I used the drop pitman arm for 2"-3", the raised steering arm 4"-6", and both for 6"-8" and beyond that I would recommend crossover steering

[bmchevy1979]

Originally Posted by backwoodsK20

Wait, doesn't the raised steering arm accomplish the same thing? Reason I ask is most companies offer this as an option with their lift kits for ~$95 and i'm wondering if I could just do that.

The raised arm is has more of a change than the drop pitman arm it moves the tierod from almost touching the axle tube to it being 3"-4" from the tube the arm only gains about an 1 1/2"-2"

[obijuan]

You do not need anything.

[72shorbox]

I would recommend replacing the u-joints in the front axle shafts while you have the front torn down replacing the ball joints.