Removing a raised steering arm??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

84 400 · 08-12-2009, 11:02 PM

Okay got the nuts off easy enough but this little gem don't want to move. And bonus... I need to do two! Any tricks to getting one of these raised steering arm's off? I tried to heat it have been soaking it in PB and hitting it prett y good with a mini sledge. This used tapered washers right??? Is there a sweet spot to hit this at to get it off?

I am removing a 4 inch coreection one and my stock arm and putting the 4 inch on my 77.

Thanks for any input

Mudder · 08-12-2009, 11:30 PM

I think you have to hit it harder.

There has been some ideas passed along here in some other threads but not sure how far back they are.

dammitmitchell · 08-13-2009, 01:14 AM

the only way i got mine off was PB brother...
and my mini sledge.. it was infact impossible.. and it reallllly sucked..
but i got it allright

**Dieselwrencher** · 08-13-2009, 02:12 AM

Those wedges are a sob! Have you used a chisel or an air hammer to try to get them to walk out? Worse comes to worse, weld a nut to the stud and use a healthy impact or breaker bar and pipe and try to back the stud out. Another thing that works sometimes is use a hammer on the opposite side as you are hitting on. Use this hammer and just press firmly with it. Use your other hammer and beat the side you were beating. It helps keep impact in the part you are hitting. Works pretty good usually.

70 beast · 08-13-2009, 09:45 AM

ive taken a few off in the past few weeks and what seemed to work the best was to have an extra hand pry up on it somehow, while you hit on it. then, (granted it moved somewhat) the acorn washers will be exposed just enough to get a set of plyers in there to spin em and taken em out. then the rest is down hill from there.

dont know if its the right way but it worked for me numerous times.

*mickeymouse* · 08-13-2009, 11:20 AM

Whack it on the side of the arm, where the cast numbers are.

Oilbrnr · 08-13-2009, 01:17 PM

Make sure to *back-up* the other side of the arm that your hitting with the sledge. I used a dolly for body work that was fairly substantial. Small sledge, don't remember the lbs. No problemo.

AZ trucks though too...

84 400 · 08-13-2009, 08:52 PM

it has not moved at all. where are these cast numbers?? I am trying to removed the raised first then on to the one on the truck. I have taken some hudge swings at it with a full size sledge and it has not moved at all. I am thinking of just pulling the knuckle and bringing it to the machine shop.

Looked on my stock ar but did not see any numbers. Are they on the side of the arm

whiskeydented · 08-13-2009, 09:04 PM

I just removed one this weekend. I heated it and then splashed it with water and pounded it with a 3 pound hammer. Once I saw it had moved a little I hit it back on the knuckle and grabbed the cone washers with pliers and unscrewed them. Then pounded some more with the hammer. It was twenty minutes of hammer swinging and it was off. Not easy but doable.

*mickeymouse* · 08-13-2009, 09:46 PM

Post a picture of it.

dan04103 · 10-16-2009, 08:54 PM

I decided to post this here instead of making another redundant thread concerning this topic, but I JUST got mine off!!! Wow, easily the hardest thing I have done on this truck. The only way I could get them off was to drill slots around each cone washer then by process of eliminating the washer the arm finally busted loose. It is so nice to be back to stock! Now on to the slop in my tilt column.

msgross · 10-17-2009, 07:40 PM

I drilled the cones as well, but be careful not to go too deep, you'll ruin the arm...

not easy i agree...

LONGHAIR · 10-18-2009, 09:45 AM

This is one of the toughest things there is to do on these trucks...and as far as I know, there is no nifty tool to take one off. It is purely a hammer thing, but bigger is not necessarily better though. I have had better luck with a hammer that is smaller than what you would call a sledge. Hits that are "faster and more often" seem the help. Start from the back, with the steering turned all the way to the right. Hit the arm closest to the rear stud, several quick and repetitive hits. When the sound changes, the first cone has popped, remove it before continuing. Hitting up or down on the arm doesn't do much good, the taper of the cones fights that, but it may help a little after you get one of more loose.

84 400 · 10-20-2009, 12:55 AM

well i took mine to the machine shop and he said it would cost too much to get it off. I got the axles with the frame so I just said screw it and ordered a new raised arm. hopefully i can install it this or next weekend and get my steering back in sinc.

Gene · 10-30-2009, 04:42 PM

I ordered a raised steering arm from Skyjacker, and their instructions say to hit the drag link side of the arm until the cone washers break loose, after about 10 good whacks I noticed that the front washer had came loose. I took it out then the 2nd came out and then the 3rd, even after they were all out I had to use a pickelfork at the front and a wedge at the back to wrok it loose. Really wasnt that bad after I read the instructions

LONGHAIR · 10-31-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene

and their instructions say to hit the drag link side of the arm until the cone washers break loose. Really wasnt that bad after I read the instructions

This is one of those "words are easier than actions" types of things. Sure, it sounds easy....but you might still be swinging until next Tuesday.

82swampthing · 11-01-2009, 12:07 AM

It took me two weeks to get my steering arm off. I used a combination of marvel mystery oil, sea foam deep creep , Heat and a mini sledge. Gotta love that northern salt.

csa daddy · 11-01-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene

I ordered a raised steering arm from Skyjacker, and their instructions say to hit the drag link side of the arm until the cone washers break loose, after about 10 good whacks I noticed that the front washer had came loose. I took it out then the 2nd came out and then the 3rd, even after they were all out I had to use a pickelfork at the front and a wedge at the back to wrok it loose. Really wasnt that bad after I read the instructions

i just seen this an i was going to say the exact same thing beating on the sides never worked always take an beat the part where the draglink hooks up ,up an down an it will eventually come loose i have cooked ball joints with torches trying to get these arms of before

cobinder · 11-01-2009, 03:50 PM

Step 1. buy a six pack of your favorite beer. Step 2. consume 5 of said six pack.
Step 3. beat the piss out of it with a mini sledge. Step 6. When you do get the F'n thing off, enjoy your last beer.

*2tons of fun* · 11-01-2009, 05:00 PM

get a large [1-1/8"+] deep socket.

place socket over stud and AROUND the cone, this will do you absolutely no good if the socket is pushing down on the cone.

hit the socket directly down. it will drive the cone up and you can grab it from there.

works every time.

fwiw, i have driven on a stock arm with no nuts 75ml off a trail and windy mountian road and it was still just as tight as it was when we left. [1am trail repair, coulnt get the arm off on the trail and forgot to put the nuts back on. didnt know about this trick till the next day and it popped right off]

08-12-2009, 11:02 PM	#1
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Removing a raised steering arm??? Okay got the nuts off easy enough but this little gem don't want to move. And bonus... I need to do two! Any tricks to getting one of these raised steering arm's off? I tried to heat it have been soaking it in PB and hitting it prett y good with a mini sledge. This used tapered washers right??? Is there a sweet spot to hit this at to get it off? I am removing a 4 inch coreection one and my stock arm and putting the 4 inch on my 77. Thanks for any input __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

08-12-2009, 11:30 PM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? I think you have to hit it harder. There has been some ideas passed along here in some other threads but not sure how far back they are.

08-13-2009, 01:14 AM	#3
dammitmitchell the pollock Join Date: May 2008 Location: abilene, texas Posts: 4,423	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? the only way i got mine off was PB brother... and my mini sledge.. it was infact impossible.. and it reallllly sucked.. but i got it allright __________________ Jack of ALL trades, Master of none.. (but one... procrastination) Army vet 02-08 RIP El Jay! Miss you brother! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=343538 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386042

08-13-2009, 02:12 AM	#4
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? Those wedges are a sob! Have you used a chisel or an air hammer to try to get them to walk out? Worse comes to worse, weld a nut to the stud and use a healthy impact or breaker bar and pipe and try to back the stud out. Another thing that works sometimes is use a hammer on the opposite side as you are hitting on. Use this hammer and just press firmly with it. Use your other hammer and beat the side you were beating. It helps keep impact in the part you are hitting. Works pretty good usually. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

08-13-2009, 09:45 AM	#5
70 beast Certified Hobbiest Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 384	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? ive taken a few off in the past few weeks and what seemed to work the best was to have an extra hand pry up on it somehow, while you hit on it. then, (granted it moved somewhat) the acorn washers will be exposed just enough to get a set of plyers in there to spin em and taken em out. then the rest is down hill from there. dont know if its the right way but it worked for me numerous times.

08-13-2009, 11:20 AM	#6
mickeymouse Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Where ever the Navy sends me. Posts: 116	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? Whack it on the side of the arm, where the cast numbers are.

08-13-2009, 01:17 PM	#7
Oilbrnr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 390	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? Make sure to back-up the other side of the arm that your hitting with the sledge. I used a dolly for body work that was fairly substantial. Small sledge, don't remember the lbs. No problemo. AZ trucks though too... __________________ -Don- '66 C10 w/factory A/C '77 Cheyenne K5 350/465/205 '80 Custom Deluxe K20 350/465/205 '04 Denali XL '05 DMax CCLB 4x Have a Hickey Sidewinder Winch and need the owners/install manual? Send me a PM with your email address and I'll forward you a .pdf

08-13-2009, 08:52 PM	#8
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? it has not moved at all. where are these cast numbers?? I am trying to removed the raised first then on to the one on the truck. I have taken some hudge swings at it with a full size sledge and it has not moved at all. I am thinking of just pulling the knuckle and bringing it to the machine shop. Looked on my stock ar but did not see any numbers. Are they on the side of the arm __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

08-13-2009, 09:04 PM	#9
whiskeydented Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: connecticut Posts: 261	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? I just removed one this weekend. I heated it and then splashed it with water and pounded it with a 3 pound hammer. Once I saw it had moved a little I hit it back on the knuckle and grabbed the cone washers with pliers and unscrewed them. Then pounded some more with the hammer. It was twenty minutes of hammer swinging and it was off. Not easy but doable.

08-13-2009, 09:46 PM	#10
mickeymouse Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Where ever the Navy sends me. Posts: 116	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? Post a picture of it.

10-16-2009, 08:54 PM	#11
dan04103 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 21	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? I decided to post this here instead of making another redundant thread concerning this topic, but I JUST got mine off!!! Wow, easily the hardest thing I have done on this truck. The only way I could get them off was to drill slots around each cone washer then by process of eliminating the washer the arm finally busted loose. It is so nice to be back to stock! Now on to the slop in my tilt column.

10-17-2009, 07:40 PM	#12
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? I drilled the cones as well, but be careful not to go too deep, you'll ruin the arm... not easy i agree... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-20-2009, 12:55 AM	#14
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? well i took mine to the machine shop and he said it would cost too much to get it off. I got the axles with the frame so I just said screw it and ordered a new raised arm. hopefully i can install it this or next weekend and get my steering back in sinc. __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

10-30-2009, 04:42 PM	#15
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? I ordered a raised steering arm from Skyjacker, and their instructions say to hit the drag link side of the arm until the cone washers break loose, after about 10 good whacks I noticed that the front washer had came loose. I took it out then the 2nd came out and then the 3rd, even after they were all out I had to use a pickelfork at the front and a wedge at the back to wrok it loose. Really wasnt that bad after I read the instructions

11-01-2009, 12:07 AM	#17
82swampthing Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: taxachusetts Posts: 138	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? It took me two weeks to get my steering arm off. I used a combination of marvel mystery oil, sea foam deep creep , Heat and a mini sledge. Gotta love that northern salt. __________________ R.I.P gm 1908-1986 1982 chevy k20,350,sm465,np205,10bolt and 14bolt s.f



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11-01-2009, 03:50 PM	#19
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? Step 1. buy a six pack of your favorite beer. Step 2. consume 5 of said six pack. Step 3. beat the piss out of it with a mini sledge. Step 6. When you do get the F'n thing off, enjoy your last beer. __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome Last edited by cobinder; 11-01-2009 at 03:50 PM.

11-01-2009, 05:00 PM	#20
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: Removing a raised steering arm??? get a large [1-1/8"+] deep socket. place socket over stud and AROUND the cone, this will do you absolutely no good if the socket is pushing down on the cone. hit the socket directly down. it will drive the cone up and you can grab it from there. works every time. fwiw, i have driven on a stock arm with no nuts 75ml off a trail and windy mountian road and it was still just as tight as it was when we left. [1am trail repair, coulnt get the arm off on the trail and forgot to put the nuts back on. didnt know about this trick till the next day and it popped right off]

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