pitman arm length
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pitman arm length
I have a Ford Ranger that I am doing a sas on. The axles are from a 77 F150 and the steering box is from a 79. The issue I am running into is that with the steering box pushed all the way forward the pitman arm is still about 2-3" too long. From hole to hole is 6 7/8 and it drops about 2". I do have the Y configuration with the GM 1 ton TRE's. Is there a pitman arm that is shorter and will there be a problem using a shorter one. I got a good deal on a rebuilt box so replacing it is not my favorite option. Thanks in advanced!
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
I have a Ford Ranger that I am doing a sas on. The axles are from a 77 F150 and the steering box is from a 79. The issue I am running into is that with the steering box pushed all the way forward the pitman arm is still about 2-3" too long. From hole to hole is 6 7/8 and it drops about 2". I do have the Y configuration with the GM 1 ton TRE's. Is there a pitman arm that is shorter and will there be a problem using a shorter one. I got a good deal on a rebuilt box so replacing it is not my favorite option. Thanks in advanced!
Then I'ld say just use '78/'79 F-150 4x4 long tie rod end, short tie rod end, adjustment sleve, and drag link and get rid of that inverted Y junk that changes toe with every dip or bump.
But I don't know what year Ranger, if it's a full size PU or a later small size pickup now called a "Ranger" nor do I understand why Chevy TREs?
If you are using the wider Ford F-150 D-44 frt axle and '79 F-150 steering box on a smaller later model "Ranger" which is narrower, you will likely need a shorter drag link. There are some adjustable drag links for the '78/'79 F-150-s in cases where they are lifted?
I'ld still ditch the inverted Y linkage and use the long and short TRs and adjustment sleeve for the '78/'79 to eliminate those toe changes.
Having said al that .... I don't know the answer to your question.
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Get the box in where it belongs, whatever it takes. Then point the wheels forward and the steering box in the middle of it's travel. Measure between the axles steering arm and the boxes pitman arm and thats the drag link you need. Then set your steering arms accordingly.
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The ranger is a 2000. All the steering linkages and panhard bar are custom fit. Right now the hole for the drag link sits above the bar that connects the knuckles which kind of restricts movement. Thanks for the advice, Mark but short of moving my radiator it is as close to where it is supposed to be as its gonna get.
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Im glad you agree I posted in the right section. But I really wish some one could help me with the problem, now that I know I am in the right section.
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
I would except that your 79 box with 79 pittman arm has the exact same pittman arm that I put on my '77s box 25 year ago.
If you shorten the pittman arm (either by replacing with a shorter pittman arm or by sectioning a "V" shaped section out and welding as some have done) you will greatly slow the steering and limit travel, it will not steer as tight.
The axles are from a 77 F150 and the steering box is from a 79. The issue I am running into is that with the steering box pushed all the way forward the pitman arm is still about 2-3" too long.
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With the 25mm offset and the 12.5" wide tires my turning radius wouldnt be that great anyway. I just want to know if there are any shorter ones that will fit. I am not comfortable with my welding ability and my equipment to take on modifying the one I have.
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