Pitman Arm Installation
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 30
From: Florida
Pitman Arm Installation
I am installing a CPP 400 power steering gearbox from Mid Fifty with a new Pitman Arm that is part of the kit. The steering box shaft end of the Pitman Arm is 1" thick. I can only get the Pitman Arm on the gearbox shaft about 5/8". This leaves about 3/8" left if it should be installed the full 1" thickness. The lock washer is fully seated behind the nut and the nut is completely threaded onto the shaft. Should the Pitman Arm be fully driven onto the gearbox shaft or am I ok with the 5/8"?
If it should be fully driven onto the gearbox shaft, what is the best way to get is done?
If it should be fully driven onto the gearbox shaft, what is the best way to get is done?
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 612
Likes: 93
From: Germany - Rhineland
Normally I’d say the pitman arm should be fully driven onto the shaft of the gearbox, but if you got the washer mounted and the nut is fully onto the shaft, that can work too. How is the alignment of the pitman arm in comparison to the original setup? Was the old pitman arm closer to the frame?
When you done with the conversion let me know how it went and how it works, I’m planning to do the same conversion with the same kit.
When you done with the conversion let me know how it went and how it works, I’m planning to do the same conversion with the same kit.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 30
From: Florida
I would be happier if I could gain even a 1/4" more. As far as the previous pitman arm/shaft depth, it was seated closer to the frame but that was a different pitman arm and gearbox. I wonder if I took it off of the shaft and put a slight coat of grease on the splines if that would help or not. I don't know if that is the right thing to do.
moejr.....How far onto the gearbox shaft did you get the pitman arm?
moejr.....How far onto the gearbox shaft did you get the pitman arm?
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 612
Likes: 93
From: Germany - Rhineland
I’d leave it as it is, but I’d use some loctite just to be save. If you don’t mind, you can send me some pics of the installed kit since I’m planning to install the same kit in my ‘56 F100
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1,458
From: Mendon, Massachusetts
My truck is a 49F1..... the kit I used came from Summit part # CPP5356PSKOC made for the 54-56 F100. I had to re-drill holes in the frame to mount the box. Not sure what modifications are needed (if any) for the 56 F100 install but I'm guessing it's a direct fit.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 30
From: Florida
The splines shown are about 3/8" between the pitman arm and the truck frame.
The second picture shows the nut on the front of the pitman arm. Looks like how yours is. It seems plenty secure but would be nice if it was run in the total distance.
My frame was already redrilled because someone in the past replaced the original gearbox #3C _ _ _ with one from a larger truck #4C0007. (That information I got from bigwin56f100 who supplied me with a steering shaft a couple of days ago.)
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 30
From: Florida
The threads showing on your installation is about what I expected to see on mine. I don't know why it doesn't want to go all the way up the shaft.
Maybe Mid Fifty sent the wrong pitman arm. I will have to call them tomorrow.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 191
From: Wharton, PA
It slid on most of the way without beating it. Then I just tightened it down to seat it on the shaft. The shaft for the CPP 400 gear boxes might not be a long as an original Toyota gearbox.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
Bob, I would remove that arm. Wrap a piece of paper around the shaft and reinstall the arm. Tighten the arm to specs and then remove. If the impression left by compressing the arm onto the shaft are nearly even the full length of the imprinted part of the paper, you should be good to go. Upon final assembly, when you're certain it is where you want it, I would either lightly "stake" the end of the shaft or use locktight.
Damn, I miss getting together with you for our BS and discussion sessions.
Damn, I miss getting together with you for our BS and discussion sessions.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 318
Likes: 30
From: Florida