Cutting Through the Confusion of Pitman Arms
Sadly, the only concrete solution to identify your Pitman arm is to locate the output shaft of your steering box where the Pitman arm is connected and count the number of splines this connection has. Realizing the new part you just pulled out of the box won’t fit is a horrendous feeling, and most often experienced when covered in grease with your vehicle half disassembled. We want to help you avoid that entire mess, so follow along as we walk you through a few simple steps to locate and correctly identify the Pitman arm on your vehicle.
Locating the Pitman Arm on Your Vehicle
Locating the Pitman arm on any vehicle begins with the steering wheel and then following the steering shaft until it terminates at the steering box, most often mounted to the frame and best viewed from under the hood. Connected to the steering box output shaft is the Pitman arm, where it acts as the bridge between your steering inputs and the center steering link. With the Pitman arm located we can move on to counting the splines of the steering box output shaft and Pitman arm connection. However, full access may require removing underbody splash guards or undertrays.
Steps to Identify the Pitman Arm Splines
Following these two simple methods will positively identify your Pitman arm in the least obtrusive way that won’t require complete disassembly of your vehicle’s steering.
Method One: Easy Method
Inspect the junction between the Pitman arm and steering box for splines by removing any road grime or protective dust boots. A stiff bristled brush works best on the grime while gentle use of a flat bladed screwdriver prevents tearing a dust boot. Counting splines in this gap is worth attempting but is an inconsistent solution due to the manufacturing tolerances of the tapered spline joint slightly altering the Pitman arm position.
Method Two: Intermediate Method
If this is unsuccessful, the next step is to remove the nut securing the Pitman arm to the steering box. Once removed you should be able to count the splines of the steering box output without completely removing the Pitman arm. Making witness marks can be helpful for more accurate counting of the splines.
Tips for Checking the Pitman Arm
We’ve all had a 2 hour repair stretch into a second day and generally make a mess of things. By following our helpful tips and renting or buying a Pitman Arm Puller tool we can work together to achieve a successful repair.
Rent the Pitman Arm Puller
Are you sure a Pitman arm puller is necessary? Yes, due to the extremely tight interference fit of the tapered spline connection a Pitman arm puller is essential. Add in a few years of rust or road grime and removal may require careful application of heat in conjunction with the Pitman arm puller.
Avoid Using A
Hammer
Using a hammer to separate the spline joint is tempting but will damage the steering box bearings due to the force required.
Avoid
Anti-Seize
Do NOT use anti-seize during assembly. The tapered spline is a friction joint. Reducing friction reduces the joint’s strength as well.
Avoid Steering Wheel Movement
Avoid damaging fragile components inside the steering column by preventing the steering wheel from rotating with the steering linkage disconnected.
Create Alignment References
Creating alignment references before disassembly will help align the steering wheel with the wheels during assembly and avoid a crooked steering wheel during straight travel.
Make Sure To Get An Alignment
As with all repairs to your vehicle’s steering, an alignment will be necessary after the replacement of the Pitman arm for the best long term handling and tire wear of your vehicle.
Moog HD Pitman Arms
Industrial and commercial truck applications will benefit from the heat treated studs and Gusher Bearing technology found in the HD series of Pitman Arms from Moog. Heat treating provides strength and durability for a critical component of your steering as well as creating a stud that will bend but not break in the event of a collision. Moog’s Gusher Bearing allows continual grease flow by permeating the sintered bearing with grease to reduce friction, flush out contaminants, and extend the life of the part. These features work together to facilitate longer service life for the vehicles you depend on.
Why Are There So Many Pitman Arms Anyway?
Different vehicles types and their specific steering needs often require changes to the Pitman Arm design.
Vintage
Decades of shade tree repairs or upgrades can make Pitman arm identification troublesome for classic vehicles. How the Pitman arm connects and its overall shape are important features for identifying vintage Pitman arms.
Offroad
Offroad vehicles often have lifted suspension that alters the steering linkage geometry. The height difference between the Pitman Arm attachment points is key to ideal steering geometry and function for lifted vehicles.
Silverado
In the year 2000 Chevy Silverados and GMC trucks changed their 32 spline (4 groove) design to a 33 spline (3 groove) design, making the spline connection the most important part for identifying the correct Pitman arm on those trucks.
The Help Continues at Suspension.com!
We hope covering how to locate and identify the Pitman arm on your vehicle was informative and helpful! If you noticed any other steering or suspension parts that need repairs while you were under your vehicle, we have you covered with an extensive inventory of high quality parts from the best vendors in the industry. If you have any further questions our amazing customer service staff has you covered and would be happy to help!
