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PATH:SteeringSteering LinkageRemoval & InstallationPitman Arm

Pitman Arm

Animations and Tech Tips


Click to view: Pitman arm removal

  1. Raise and support the front end on jack stands.
  2. Remove nut from Pitman arm ball stud.

Steering linkage-R-Series
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Steering linkage-V-Series
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  1. On R/V series, remove the Pitman arm or relay rod from ball stud by tapping on side of rod or arm (in which the stud mounts) with a hammer while using a heavy hammer or similar tool as a backing. Pull on the linkage to remove from the stud.

Removing the Pitman arm
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  1. On C/K series, break loose the Pitman ball stud from the relay rod using a screw-type ball stud tool. Pull on the linkage to remove the stud.

Typical steering linkage components-C-Series
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Steering linkage-1988-91 K-Series
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  1. If necessary, unbolt the steering gear from the frame.
  2. Remove the Pitman arm nut from the Pitman shaft or the clamp bolt from the Pitman arm, and mark the relation of the arm position to the shaft.
  3. Remove Pitman arm, using a large puller.

To install:

  1. Install the Pitman arm on the Pitman shaft, lining up the marks made upon removal.

On R/V series, if a clamp type Pitman arm is used, spread the Pitman arm just enough, with a wedge, to slip arm onto the Pitman shaft. Do not spread the Pitman arm more than required to slip over the Pitman shaft with hand pressure. Do not hammer or damage to the steering gear may result. Be sure to install the hardened steel washer before installing the nut.

  1. Make sure that the threads on the ball studs and in the ball stud nuts are clean and smooth. If threads

are not clean and smooth, ball studs may turn in their sockets when attempting to tighten the nut. Check the condition of the ball stud seals; replace if necessary.

  1. Install the Pitman shaft nut or Pitman arm clamp bolt and tighten to 184 ft. lbs. (249 Nm) on R and C/K-Series; 125 ft. lbs. (169 Nm) on V-Series.
  2. If removed, bolt the steering gear to the frame.
  3. Position the ball stud onto the Pitman arm or relay rod.
  4. On R/V series, tighten the Pitman arm-to-relay rod nut to 66 ft. lbs. (89 Nm). On C/K series, tighten the Pitman arm-to-relay rod nut to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm) on 1988-91 models; 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm) on 1992-98 models. Always advance the nut to align the cotter pin hole. NEVER back it off!
  5. Lubricate ball studs.
  6. Lower the vehicle to the floor.

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PATH:SteeringSteering LinkageRemoval & InstallationIdler Arm

Idler Arm

  1. Raise and support the front end on jack stands.
  2. Remove the idler arm ball stud nut. Discard the nut.
  3. Using a screw-type ball joint tool, separate the idler arm from the relay rod.

To install:

  1. Make sure that the threads on the ball stud and in the ball stud nut are clean and smooth. If threads are not clean and smooth, ball stud may turn in the socket when attempting to tighten nut. Check condition of ball stud seal; replace if necessary.
  2. Position the idler arm on the frame and install the mounting bolts. On R/V series, tighten the bolts to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm). On C/K series, tighten the frame-to-bracket bolts to 78 ft. lbs. (105 Nm) on 1988-92 models, 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm) on 1993-95 models and 71 ft. lbs. (96 Nm) on 1996-98 models.
  3. Install the idler arm ball stud in the relay rod, making certain the seal is positioned properly. On R/V series, tighten the nut to 66 ft. lbs. (89 Nm). On C/K series, tighten the new ball stud nut to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm) on 1988-92 and 1996 models, 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) on 1993-95 models and 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm) on 1997-98 models. Always advance the nut to align the cotter pin hole. NEVER back it off!
  4. Lower the vehicle to the floor.

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