Author Topic: Pitman arm placement  (Read 5933 times)

Offline K10fun

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Pitman arm placement
« on: February 25, 2016, 02:36:19 am »
I have a 78 K20 4x4. The steering only goes partially to the right and all the way to the left. I bought the truck a few days ago like this and the guy said this is the second one he put on. will the pitman arm go on in the wrong position? wanted to research it first before i make it worse.

Offline blazer74

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Pitman arm placement
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2016, 03:00:16 am »
Only goes one way on the 4x4.

Is it lifted?

Offline Burkhalter

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2016, 10:04:10 am »
Something else to consider would be looking at the adjustment between the pitman arm and the spindle arm. If he recently changed out those ball joints they may have not been threaded on all the way. With it too far out it would push that arm forward causing an increased range to the left and decreased range to the right.
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Offline BBM3

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2016, 06:52:27 pm »
Something else to consider would be looking at the adjustment between the pitman arm and the spindle arm. If he recently changed out those ball joints they may have not been threaded on all the way. With it too far out it would push that arm forward causing an increased range to the left and decreased range to the right.

If the drag link is that far out of adjustment I would think the truck would be almost un-drivable in a straight line, the steering wheel would be way off center, and the OP should without even measuring be able to see looking at the tires that toe is way out of alignment.

Maybe these things are true?

EDIT:
Now that I think about it....
It may be possible to install the pitman arm upside down which would cause the forward end link of the pitman arm to be upside down. That would not be good.

Pictures would be a big help.
« Last Edit: February 25, 2016, 07:02:03 pm by BBM3 »

Offline Blazin

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2016, 07:17:15 pm »
The hole in the end of the arm is tapered, cant put the drag link end in if the arm is upside down. The drag link does not affect the alignment. Only the alignment of the steering wheel.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs

Offline enaberif

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2016, 07:21:51 pm »
Possibly lifted and lacking lifted steering arm.

Offline BBM3

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2016, 07:52:25 pm »
The hole in the end of the arm is tapered, cant put the drag link end in if the arm is upside down. The drag link does not affect the alignment. Only the alignment of the steering wheel.

The output shaft of the steering gear / pitman arm is not tapered. If someone wanted too it might be possible to install the pitman arm upside down. Doing so would force the tapered end link of drag link to be installed upside down and make a mess of the steering geometry. Just a thought.

I'm done speculating. The OP needs to give more details re: possible lift and most importantly post some pictures.

Offline AZ87V10

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2016, 09:35:41 pm »
Has anybody thought that maybe his steering gearbox is out of alignment or just worn out? Usually when they wear out, the steering is not even and hard or possibly sloppy depending on condition of power steering components and tie rod/ drag link components conditions. But the OP does need to post back with more info before anyone can help him any further.
1987 Chevy V-10 Silverado short bed, 350TBI, 700R4, NP208, 3.73's, 31's
2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 4x4 short bed, 5.9L V8, Auto, 5 inch lift, 35's, 4.56's

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2016, 06:59:34 am »
in my 02 it would turn with power assist to the left but to the right it was manual power. gear box was my problem, but i dont see how it would prevent it from turning at all past center unless something else is binding up. would need pictures
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Offline Blazin

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Re: Pitman arm placement
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2016, 09:18:32 pm »
I didn't say the hole for the box was tapered.
Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs