Pitman Arm removal
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Pitman Arm removal
Hi, I'm back with another question - 1965 F100 2WD - Trying to get the steering gear out for overhaul. Can't seem to get the pitman arm off the shaft. I've got a nice puller, but it won't budge... any secrets?
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 707
Likes: 2
From: Sauk City, WI
I nearly broke my puller trying to get mine off. Started to see the puller fingers flex when using a breaker bar on it, and decided it could wait. I tried tapping it and didnt get anywhere. Its still on there.
I will need to heat mine slightly while pulling on it.
I will need to heat mine slightly while pulling on it.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
What about keeping tension on the puller, heating the arm, then putting an air hammer on it? Is there any danger in damaging the gear box with heat from a mapp torch? (I'm sending the steering gear up to Redhead for complete o'haul as soon as I get the friggin arm off!)
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
From: Haysville, KS
I think the key is using tension and release. Tighten up the puller, smack the side with a hammer, release some tension and repeat. That, plus remembering to remove the bolt, made it work for me.
No way around it, pitman arms are a PIA. Patience goes a long way..
No way around it, pitman arms are a PIA. Patience goes a long way..
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 0
From: Sedro-Woolley, WA
The best way I have found is to cinch the puller up tight then tap the head of the puller screw. It doesn't take much and if you are deforming the the puller in any way then you are hitting it too hard.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
are you talking about the hex end of the screw? also, anybody have experience with any particular brand of puller other than Snap On? NAPA sells a KD puller (heavy duty) - any good?
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 707
Likes: 2
From: Sauk City, WI
Nothing wrong with KD or OTC. Both make solid tools. Pretty sure they are made in the same factory actually.
Snap On makes nice stuff, but unless your going to use it ALL the time, they are not worth the cost.
Snap On makes nice stuff, but unless your going to use it ALL the time, they are not worth the cost.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 0
From: Sedro-Woolley, WA
Yes, tap straight on the hex head as if you were trying to drive the screw into the shaft of the steering box. Just suck it up tight, tap if a couple times then retighten the clamp and repeat. I like to leave the pitman arm nut on but backed off so everything doesn't come crashing down.
Pretty much any brand puller will work as long as it fits. Be sure to use a small amount of lube such as Neversieze on the pullers threads. This helps quite a bit.
Pretty much any brand puller will work as long as it fits. Be sure to use a small amount of lube such as Neversieze on the pullers threads. This helps quite a bit.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ddiaz12
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Aug 17, 2017 06:50 PM