Hi, is this gap between the pitman arm and the steering box normal? It seems pretty big and not the entire width of the steering box splines are in contact with the pitman arm. Thanks in advance for any help. (sorry about the sideways pic)

 

Yes.

- Eric

 

It won't fall off if that's what you're worried about. That nut is torqued to somewhere around 180 ft/lbs if memory serves.

 

The nut was hand tight so i torqued it down to 100 ft lbs (according to chiltons). Should i torque it all the way to 180?

 

Why would you rely on Chilton's for information?

The CSM says 150 ft/lbs.

- Eric

 

To the O.P.'s original question, the splines on the steering box are tapered, so the pitman arm only goes on until it wedges on the tapered splines, then stops. The gap is irrelevant.

 

Double check that Eric, I thought your number was low so I checked the 69 CSM and the Pitman shaft nut is supposed to be between 180 and 210 ft/lbs whether PS or manual steering. See page 9-36 of the 69 CSM? Where in the CSM did you find the 150 number? Maybe I'm missing something.

 

Ha. Figures.

I found my number in the '68 CSM under Torque Values at the end of the Steering chapter.

Usually these numbers are the same regardless of year, but every now and then you get a wise guy, like the early years low harmonic balancer torques.

I agree you should go with the higher value - since the gear box didn't change, I'd suspect they increased the torque in response to experience in the field.

- Eric