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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: 78 Chevyrado on July 23, 2008, 09:21:10 pm

Title: Pitman Arm Alignment
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on July 23, 2008, 09:21:10 pm

When the wheels are straight ahead and the steering wheel is at it's "home" position, should the pitman arm be aligned with the steering box centerline, looking down on it from the engine bay?  I need to know because in the wreck the right wheel got hit and messed up most of the steering linkages, as well as well as the coupling between the rag joint and the steering box.  I need to know thw pitman arms position when the wheels are straight so I can reindex the pitman arm and steering wheel correctly.

Thanks Guys

Kenny

Title: Re: Pitman Arm Alignment
Post by: VileZambonie on July 23, 2008, 09:23:19 pm

It should face forward so your linkage is centered.

Title: Re: Pitman Arm Alignment
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on July 23, 2008, 09:31:13 pm

That's all I need to know!   Thanks Man! ;D

Title: Re: Pitman Arm Alignment
Post by: HAULIN IT on July 23, 2008, 10:11:06 pm

Kenny, By re-indexing, Are you talking, pulling the steering wheel or pitmon arm & moving on the teeth? If so, you should not have to undo the pitmon arm or the steering wheel. In a perfect world, if the frame has not gotten bent & you have replaced the bent linkage, knuckles, ect. An alignment to adjust the wheels, center the pitmon arm & steering wheel should be all you need. Lorne

Title: Re: Pitman Arm Alignment
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on July 25, 2008, 11:28:07 pm

In the wreck the steering wheel ended up 180 degrees out compared to the wheels.  I needed to know so I could find the problem since other stuff was bent also.  I found the problem, It was the coupling at the rag joint got stripped out. 

Thanks guys!