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Old 05-06-2009, 01:38 PM   #1
sled head
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: saratoga springs
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Pitman Arm replacement

It appears that my pitman arm needs to be replaced (there is a lot of play in my steering wheel and there is some movement on the wheel itself when jacked up).

Do I need a puller to get it off, I heard that I do. Do I need to remove the skid plate and sway bar to get it off? Anything else need to be removed?
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Old 05-06-2009, 01:52 PM   #2
Unkle Fester
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Location: Sherwood, OR
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Re: Pitman Arm replacement

I'm no expert by any means, but I've never had to replace a pitman arm, usually just tie-rod ends when they wear out. Have you had someone shake the wheel while you watched the linkage move? They only have to turn the wheel a little past the slop each direction. Could turn up a different worn part. (sorry if you've already done that)

My '90 burban I thought the steering box was bad but only needed a new drag link. Replace that rig with a '98 Sierra a few weeks ago. The steering wheel had about a 1/4 turn of play. I replaced the tie rods and took it in for an alignment and all was better.

I just hate to see people replace parts they don't need.
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Old 05-06-2009, 09:29 PM   #3
BigBlocksRule
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Re: Pitman Arm replacement

I broke 2 AutoZone rented pullers when I tried to get my first one off. It's a whole lot easier to use a cutoff wheel and cut it nearly thru, then use a chisel to finish breaking it. You can jack the truck up in the front end and mess with each wheel to find the play. I've replaced a few of 'em, sometimes it helps to take all but one bolt out of the steering box so you can turn it to an angle where it's easier to work on.
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