drag ling and steering arm
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 197
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From: Richmond VA
drag ling and steering arm
tonight i rebuilt the drag link ends, the spindle arm ball looks fine, but the steering arm ball is not flat, but you can see where the ball seat has cut into it on the side toward the back of the truck the front side is fine. is this a big deal, i have replaced the king pins drag link ends and tie rod ends, in other words i have replaced all the front steering connections. do you think i should go ahead and spend the $50 to replace the steering arm. 
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 113
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From: Connecticut
drag ling and steering arm
Definitely yes! go ahead and get a new pitman arm. It's very common for it to be worn out like that. On that front end, you need to eliminate any and all play in the drag link, pitman arm, steering box and springs. What $50.00 when it comes to your safety and a good ride!
Barry
50 F-1
Barry
50 F-1
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
drag ling and steering arm
thanks for the info. you are right, i spent so much on rebuilding the front end to date whats 50 bucks. i just ordered it and the spindle arm ball fron dennis carpender. now how do i get the steering arm off?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 113
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From: Connecticut
drag ling and steering arm
Are we talking about the "U" shaped are off the spindle or the arm off the steering box? If it's the U shaped arm, you have to take the castle nut off the end that goes thru the spindle and drive it out with a brass drift pin, so you don't bugger the threads. The arm off the steering box is removed with a puller after you remove the big nut and washer. I've also popped the pitman arm off with a ball joint tool. I've covered both arms as they both wear pretty bad over the years.
Barry
50 F-1
Barry
50 F-1
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
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From: Erie, pa
drag ling and steering arm
For the Steering arm/Pitman Arm attached to the steering box they make a special tool.
Having tried various workarounds over the years I figured it was time to purchase my own for the once every decade removal.
I went to the local Autozone parts store, found one on the special tool display for $20+ and went to the checkout.
When the manager asked I splained the situation, he told me to give him a $20 dollar deposit, he would give me a loaner tool, and when I was done bring it back and I would get my deposit back.
Hell, I even clean it up better that I received it for that price.
One less thing I have to put away where I won't forget it!!
Having tried various workarounds over the years I figured it was time to purchase my own for the once every decade removal.
I went to the local Autozone parts store, found one on the special tool display for $20+ and went to the checkout.
When the manager asked I splained the situation, he told me to give him a $20 dollar deposit, he would give me a loaner tool, and when I was done bring it back and I would get my deposit back.
Hell, I even clean it up better that I received it for that price.
One less thing I have to put away where I won't forget it!!
