Steering arm removal
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
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From: BC, Canada
Steering arm removal
I'm trying to remove the steering arm from the top of the spindle assembly on my '79 F250 4x4. It appears to be held on only by 3 nuts, which I've removed, but I cannot budge the arm from its perch. I cannot find info on it in my books and mostly I'm concerned I'm missing something fundamental with how it's attached. This is not the pitman arm or drag link, but the arm that attaches directly to spacer atop the spindle assembly. I have pictures if needed.
Please, any hints or do I continue to soak it with penetrating oil and beat on it. I have no heat other than propane torch.
I have been told there are tapered bushings around the studs, and I've tried beating on it to loosen it but it's like it's welded on with rust. Another suggestion was using an air chisel between the spacer and arm to force it apart.
Thoughts anyone??
Please, any hints or do I continue to soak it with penetrating oil and beat on it. I have no heat other than propane torch.
I have been told there are tapered bushings around the studs, and I've tried beating on it to loosen it but it's like it's welded on with rust. Another suggestion was using an air chisel between the spacer and arm to force it apart.
Thoughts anyone??
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
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From: BC, Canada
I have a picture in my gallery showing the piece, and I'm really not sure if the piece it's attached to is correctly called the knuckle. I believe its a ball joint axle but I don't know for sure the identifying differences.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
ahh yes
what you are trying to remove is called a drag link. and it is mounted to the top of your flat top knuckle! you should be able to hit it from the bottom and get it off! there is no trick there just gotta whack it till it comes off!
-cutts-
what you are trying to remove is called a drag link. and it is mounted to the top of your flat top knuckle! you should be able to hit it from the bottom and get it off! there is no trick there just gotta whack it till it comes off!
-cutts-
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: BC, Canada
Thanks. I thought the drag link was the shaft about 18" long, ball type joint at each end, that connected to the pitman arm.
I'll continue to beat on it I guess, just don't want to hurt my baby
I'll continue to beat on it I guess, just don't want to hurt my baby
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
If I am looking at the correct picture (photo titled "steering arm") then what you are dealing with is the drag link. That is a ball type joint and is beveled. If you loosen that castle nut on the top past the top of the threads, then hit the castle nut repeatedly, it should come free. When dealing with these types of joints, you want to vibrate everything loose.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: BC, Canada
That's the picture all right, but I've removed the drag link from it already as suggested. It's the arm that the drag link was connected to I'm trying to remove, the one with the 3 nuts on top in the picture. Rust has it's hold on the part and I'm going to try and coerce it off of it's perch.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Thanks for the suggestions.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: BC, Canada
Finally got it off. I borrowed an air chisel from work and used a little "persuation" to move it off it's perch. Basically rust and the tapered sleeves were all that held it on.
Thanks for all the help.
Thanks for all the help.