pitman arm orientation?

[saxart]

Simple question...

I replaced the steering gearbox on my '70 for a power box from Red Head and can't remember/want to confirm. Does the pitman arm point straight to the rear of the truck if the wheels are in the straight ahead position?

My plan is to find "center" on the steering box by rotating the steering wheel from "full lock" on one side, to full-lock on the other side then bring it to center, then install the pitman arm.

Does this all sound correct?

[clay68c10]

Yes that is correct. The pitman and idler should be parallel and pointed to the rear of the truck. The output shaft of the steering box is indexed with some blind splines also, you only have a couple of choices for install. I think it’s 3, but it’s been a while.

[saxart]

Thanks Clay!

[kwmech]

Center the box, point the arm back, it will only go on one way at that point with the master spline

[randy500]

Info on centering the steering box....
Center the box counting turns lock to lock, when centered the flat on the splined shaft where the rag joint attaches is the true center of the steering box. The flat faces up when the box is centered.
Your steering wheel may not be centered, if it isn’t remove and center it, the alignment shop should then align the truck wheels using the tie rod adjusting sleeves while maintaining the steering wheel position.

[kwmech]

^^^^^good point, center the box not the steering wheel. who knows what has been jacked up after 47 years