Pitman are question

[First c10]

I purchased a drop pitman arm from Skyjacker CA50 (I think). it did not come with the cross bolt. Is this a special bolt and nut? if so I cannot seem to find it. does anyone have any information about it? A picture? place to get a replacement?
My truck has manual steering and not sure the bolt is the same and since I am replacing the steering box and pitman arm I would like to get a new cross bolt.

[72MARIO]

I am not sure if its a special bolt other than a fine thread grade 8 with locking nut. Make sure its tight ! I changed my steering box out a little over a year ago and it managed to loosen.

[First c10]

I thought maybe they were a special bolt. Does anyone have a picture of one so I can see it and maybe get the dimensions?

[First c10]

anyone?

[swamp rat]

Take the arm and go to a hardware store and find a fine thread grade 8 bolt the proper length, then make sure the nut and loc washer you find are also grade 8 as well, the bolts, nuts and washers are gold anodised in color.

[First c10]

Ok I will get a fine thread grade 8 bolt and post size when I get it. Thanks I just wanted to make sure it was not a special bolt.

[derotoreut]

What did you ever do about this pitman arm cross bolt? I'm in the same position and need a new bolt for my Skyjacker CA50 pitman arm.

[First c10]

If I remember right it was a 3-1/2” x 1/2” bolt. Fine thread. But I am not positive. I will check tomorrow.

[Mike C]

Does GM not list this bolt anymore? I know when I replaced the pitman arm on my Jimmy I couldn’t find one year appropriate and bought a ‘91 Suburban arm that worked just fine. Can’t remember if if came with a new bolt?

But it is a minimum thread bolt so the shank runs in the groove of sector shaft so I would do my best to get an original, or a long shank bolt you could shorten the threads on to match.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Does GM not list this bolt anymore? I know when I replaced the pitman arm on my Jimmy I couldn’t find one year appropriate and bought a ‘91 Suburban arm that worked just fine. Can’t remember if if came with a new bolt?

But it is a minimum thread bolt so the shank runs in the groove of sector shaft so I would do my best to get an original, or a long shank bolt you could shorten the threads on to match.

As far as I know, when you buy the pitman arms, the cross bolts do not come with it. I know they are a long shank bolt. That's why I'm leery of just buying a grade 5 or 8 bolt. I know LMC lists a cross bolt for pitman arms, but I'm wondering what it really is.

[First c10]

Here is the picture.
I used anodized 1/2” x 3-1/2” grade 8 with a nyloc nut.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by First c10

Here is the picture.
I used anodized 1/2” x 3-1/2” grade 8 with a nyloc nut.

Thanks for the info. I'll see what I can come up with.

[Blazerowner]

You should be fine with a replacement. The bolt holds it on the shaft where it’s slotted and there isn’t much vertical torque on the shaft. Once tightened it’s two fold with no movement. Grade 8 will do the job. That’s a strong bolt, especially when it’s that thick. Probably overkill but who cares when it’s barely pricier than a grade 5.

[derotoreut]

I ended up with two options. I bought a GR8 bolt at tractor supply. and I bought the one from LMC. It's actually a 9/16" fine thread. The one from LMC is also GR8. I ended up using the LMC one. The tractor supply bolt was a bit longer. They only had 3" or 3-1/2" long. The LMC one worked out good and had a good lock nut with it too.

[First c10]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

I ended up with two options. I bought a GR8 bolt at tractor supply. and I bought the one from LMC. It's actually a 9/16" fine thread. The one from LMC is also GR8. I ended up using the LMC one. The tractor supply bolt was a bit longer. They only had 3" or 3-1/2" long. The LMC one worked out good and had a good lock nut with it too.

After your post I think I used a 9/16" x 3 1/2" bolt in GR8. Not 1/2"