1997 F150 4.6L 4x4 Pittman arm
 

What is the Pittman arm? Does it have to do with alignment at all? Not sure if I got the info correct from Firestone Master Care technician but, he indicated I need an alignment (bumpy tires) and that it would be difficult because of the condition of my Pittman or idler arm. Does this make sense? Thanks.

Hi lmpunk and welcome to the forum :)
The pitman arm is what connects the steering box to the steering linkage and wont cause an alignment problem unless it is worn out way more than I've ever seen.
The idler arm can change the toe if it's worn so it has to be in good shape before the alignment is done.
In this picture #1 is the idler arm, #2 is the pitman arm.......

Ford was having a problem with the pitman arms on the 97 150 .I took my truck in for a squeaky fron end. I turned the wheel and the service tech told me the pitman arm was bad. He told me he has replaced a ton of them. Had it replaced, no more squeak. It was replaced when i had just over 37000 miles on the truck.

Hi Racerguy,

I have read a number of posts here about this bad sqeaking sound in the front end. I have the same problem on my 1997 F150 4.6 2WD. Squeaks really bad when I turn left or right -- even when standing still. In the posts that I've read, most say to replace the Pitman arm. Is this hard to do?

Thanks,
Al.

I had my Pitman arm replaced for me. Sorry, I cannot be of much help. It sounds difficult because the Service Technician busted one of his tools when removing the old one.

It's not a hard job but you will need a puller to remove the pitman arm from the steering box and 1 5/16" socket or wrench to remove the nut.

Racerguy,

I would just like to add that if the truck has a million miles on it, you should have a shop do the replacement. My 90 needed the lower steering box seal replaced and you have to take the pitman arm off to get at it. Well a 3 hour job turned into a WEEKEND of flustration as the Pitman was rusted on to the splines so tight. It finally fell to a puller and an impact wrench with plenty of flame wrench added.
Mike

There was a recall on the the pitman arms for the 1997 F150 pitman arm. Its been a while since I read the post but apparently they didn't get them all the way on at the factory resulting in the possibility of them falling off while you are driving. Sounds like instead of falling off, they just wear out.

Does one need to do an alignment after replacing the pitman arm?

No you dont need to get an alignment done after.

I've got the same squeak and was told by several people it is the pitman arm. I'm interested in finding out more information about this recall. I've had the truck since it was brand new (1997 F-150 XLT 4x4) and never heard about this recall. Also, does anyone know how much it costs to have the pitman arm replaced at the dealership?

I dont remember ever seeing a recall on the pitman arm. There is a recall about the steering column coupler shaft not being fully seated on the shaft where it goes onto the steering box.
I really have no idea what a pitman arm costs. I'm in Canada so the cost would be different anyway. Rough guess would be an hour to replace it.

Just had my Pitman arm and a rod replaced on my 97 4.6L F150 at FORD. I bought the truck used and it started squeaking at about 60k. I let it go for about a year and then had to take the plunge(it was driving me crazy). Total from the STEALER was $341 and half of that was labor. At least they checkd the alignment afterwards.