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| | | | Joined: Oct 2022 Posts: 78 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2022 Posts: 78 | Hi all,
I'm in the process of rebuilding my Chevy 3100 1/2 ton pickup front end. I've already completed the suspension. Now I'm working on the steering items. I have a new tie rod with modern ends. I have a new drag link as well. All the ball studs were egg-shaped, so since I have new parts I will change out the ball studs to the post style with a nut on the bottom. This truck will stay mostly original.
So, my question is how hard is it to remove the ball stud off the Pitman arm? What is the process to remove the arm? Then I assume I grind the peened over side down and drill out to remove the ball stud?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Doug
Last edited by Challenger Pilot; 11/03/2023 11:14 PM. Reason: Clarity
1953 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup
Doug
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 Moderator, Electrical Bay | | Moderator, Electrical Bay Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,479 | You're on the right track for the grinding and removal of the ball...some are not so bad to remove and others can be a pain. Don't drill more than the diameter of the ball's stem, naturally. You'll need a two jaw puller to remove the pitman arm...you may be able to borrow or rent one from O'Reilly's or AutoZone.
Since you're using the new balls that are threaded with retaining nuts, file or grind two "flats" in the shoulder so you can loosen those nuts and rotate the balls 90 degrees every time you grease the frame (or change oil if you do it yourself). That way your new balls won't go egg-shaped. Good luck!
~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Ground mine flat then drilled s 1/4" hole in the center.
Don't drill a hole and stick a punch in the hole to knock it out. It will only tighten it up. I use an old worn out socket just smaller than the stud diameter and have always had good luck. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | Like Jon G said, use a puller to remove the pitman arm from the sector shaft. If you try to use wedges and a hammer to beat it off you run the risk of damaging the steering box. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Oct 2022 Posts: 78 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2022 Posts: 78 | That's a great idea Jon! I like the way you think about adding a groove to rotate the nut over the lifetime to prevent "egging".
I'll head down to the local auto parts store to find a gear puller. I'll keep you all advised on my progress.
Doug
1953 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup
Doug
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 1,955 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 1,955 | They have a pitman arm puller there.
~ BD.
"You won't find me in an old folks home" Pioneer Florida Cracker
1958 Apache Stepside
1958 Apache 1/2 ton Panel
1959 Apache 1/2 ton Panel
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