G'Day!

I have a 1994 F250HD, with a front GAWR of 3,920 lbs. I need to replace my Pitman arm, but my two choices are for a front GAWR of 3800 lbs or 4600 lbs.

Which one should I get?

Thanks!
-Steve

 

Look at the sticker in the drivers side door jamb, it will list your GVWR right on it.

I gotta ask, why do you need a new one? Lift kit perhaps?

 

That's the problem. The sticker lists my front GAWR as 3,920, which is not one of the choices available to me. I'm not lifting the truck; there's a fair amount of play in the steering wheel, etc. While I'm adept at vehicle electronics, I'm not too savvy with more involved mechanical things, like fixing steering or suspensions. One of the fleet maintenance mechanics at work took a look at the truck and told me that, among other things, I need:

Inner tie rods (or inner tie rod and drag link)
Pitman arm
Steeering Gearbox seal

He mentioned that since we're going to be taking things apart, I should also get replacement u-joints for the front end as well as balljoints and a new steering damper.

The truck has 195k+ miles on it, so I guess it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that the Pitman arm is worn.

 

pitman arms tend not to get too much play - sure its not in the box?

 

A Pitman arm has a tapered smooth bore hole in one end for a tie rod end and a tapered splined hole for the sector shaft end. Generally no reason to replace the arm itself unless going with a drop arm to make up for suspension lift. Or it came loose and one of the holes is all wallard out.

A "94" should be either "over 8500# GVWR" or "under 8500# GVWR".

8600# GVWR for the standard cab as the heaviest model made, extended or crew cab has a slightly higher GVRW to make up for its added weight due to more cab space. Same everything underneath, just given a higher number to keep the rating. 8900# for the extended, not sure what the crew would be.

 

You failed to mention the most important thing.

1994 F250HD ~ 2WD or 4WD?

Most Pitman arms are marked with an ID number that is cast onto the arm.

E5TZ3590B .. Pitman Arm-Use w/3850 lb. Front Axle- 4WD

MARKED: E5TA-3590-AA

MSRP: $91.78 / FTEpartsguy.com price: $66.08
----------------------------------------------
E5TZ3590C .. Pitman Arm-Use w/4800 lb. Front Axle- 4WD

MARKED: E5TA-3590-BA

MSRP: $234.12 / FTEpartsguy.com price: $168.56
------------------------------------------------
If your F250HD is NOT a 4WD, then the front axle weight capacity makes no difference.

Only one Pitman arm is used on a: 1985/97 F250HD 2WD, this one...

MARKED: E5TA-3590-CA = E5TZ3590A

MSRP: $88.72 / FTEpartsguy.com price: $63.88
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With a vehicle this new, to find out what any part number is...is a snap!

All you have to do is give the truck (or cars) VIN to Ed (or any dealer), specify the particular part(s).

Ed types the VIN into the system... VOILA! The part number(s) come right up.

EZ as pie. And with Ed, there's no requirement to buy anything, as this service is free.

My part number source: 1990/2002 FORD TRUCK PARTS CATALOG.

 

NumberDummy -

I can say "Doh!" I *knew* I forgot to mention something. THANK YOU. I'll check the part as soon as I can get under the truck.

For the other folks who mentioned that pitman arms rarely fail, THANK YOU, TOO! I'm betting (how scientific) that since the gearbox is leaking PS fluid (or something), that the pitman arm is, in fact, just fine.

[*sigh*]

I've have GOT to get better at this!