The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Pitman Arm ??

I need recommendations/suggestions while trying to resolve steering wander issues I decided the steering feet box needed rebuilding also replacing the drag link. I’ve already changed tie rod ends and tightened everything else but still had play and wandering in the steering.
The pitman would wiggle just slightly so after removing some crud I gave the pitman a wiggle and it came off without using a puller. What does this mean do I need a new pitman arm, I hope not as there aren’t any available for someone wanting to retain manual steering
57 Chevy 3800 1 ton dual 235 cylinder 420sm trans

If the splines on the pitman arm and the sector shaft aren't worn excessively, you should be able to reinstall it and tighten the nut so it doesn't move. The splines are tapered a bit so it should tighten up. If that doesn't fix it, you'll need to drum up a replacement pitman arm and maybe a sector shaft or complete steering gear.

Thanks for your input, I had noticed the tapered spline and after looking closely at the teeth on sector shaft and the arm teeth they looked fine. So I put it back together and tightened it down by just adjusting the lock washer placement and I was able to get no movement.
So I went ahead and pulled out the box and column and have them on the bench going through it. I have a rebuild kit for the box so I’ll see what I need to replace.
Thanks again

When you reassemble the steering box, and you're sure everything is installed and adjusted correctly, the nut holdng the Pitman arm on needs to be VERY tight- - - - -like 200 ft/lbs or so. There should be no possibility of any movement between the sector shaft and the Pitman arm. It's usually necessary to use a dedicated puller and a lot of force to remove the Pitman arm from a steering gear.
Jerry

Anyone have any ideas for getting the bushing out of the side cap?

Carefully cut a slot in the bushing with a carbide burr in a Dremel tool. Once the press fit is relieved, it can be driven out with a small chisel. Try not to groove the housing by cutting too deep.
Jerry

Thanks I’ll give it a go in the morning and let ya know how it comes out

So I’ve got it apart new bushings and bearings installed and man those new bushings are tight it’s difficult to get the sector shaft installed and drawn into sector shaft adjustment cap.

Use a button hone like the one that's for polishing brake cylinders to carefully fit the bushing to the shaft. I'd use the more conventional term for that kind of hone, but the hall monitors would get their manties in a wad!
Jerry

Yes hot rod, I have a home for wheel cylinders and I honed the bushings slightly, put all together and I’m getting 3 3/4 turns lock to lock which seems not enough compared to before rebuild. I pulled apart to make sure sector teeth were center to ball nut and put it back together and so that’s where I’m at.