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Why do you think you need a pitman arm? There are no wear items on the pitman arm, which is why they are not readily available. The ball joint that wears is part of the center link.
Why do you think you need a pitman arm? There are no wear items on the pitman arm, which is why they are not readily available. The ball joint that wears is part of the center link.
was just getting ready to replace tie rods , idler arm control arm and all that, wanted to have a new pitman arm as well is the only reason.
Why do you think you need a pitman arm? There are no wear items on the pitman arm, which is why they are not readily available. The ball joint that wears is part of the center link.
was just getting ready to replace tie rods , idler arm control arm and all that, wanted to have a new pitman arm as well is the only reason.
The only time you would need to ever replace the pitman arm is if the tapered hole that the center link stud fits into is damaged and oversize. Frankly, you have to try to do that. The idler arm needs to be replaced because it has a bearing between the arm and the frame bracket, and that wears. The pitman arm is just a piece of forged steel with splines and a tapered hole. There's no need to replace it, which is why no one sells them.
The only time you would need to ever replace the pitman arm is if the tapered hole that the center link stud fits into is damaged and oversize. Frankly, you have to try to do that. The idler arm needs to be replaced because it has a bearing between the arm and the frame bracket, and that wears. The pitman arm is just a piece of forged steel with splines and a tapered hole. There's no need to replace it, which is why no one sells them.
so is it just the 76 that has a pitman arm like this? Because there are plenty available for other years , I don’t get it
Most GM cars do not use a pitman arm with an wear items. GM trucks DO incorporate the ball joint in the pitman arm and thus replacements are available. Some vendors now sell pitman arms for the 64-72 A-body cars and first gen Camaros because they are very popular to restore, but I've never needed to buy one in half a century of restoring and working on these cars.
This is a Chevy truck pitman arm with the ball joint and stud.
This is a Cutlass pitman arm. Note that it is just a piece of forged steel. There is nothing to wear out. There is no need to replace it.
I'll add that vendors sell a lot of unnecessary stuff. They're in business to make a profit and are counting on uninformed customers to buy their unnecessary products.
I'll add that vendors sell a lot of unnecessary stuff. They're in business to make a profit and are counting on uninformed customers to buy their unnecessary products.
The only time you would need to ever replace the pitman arm is if the tapered hole that the center link stud fits into is damaged and oversize. Frankly, you have to try to do that. The idler arm needs to be replaced because it has a bearing between the arm and the frame bracket, and that wears. The pitman arm is just a piece of forged steel with splines and a tapered holeThere's no need to replace it,which is why no one sells them.
or if you change from manual steering to power steering.
As Joe mentioned, not much of a wear item..but..
My '76 parts book shows same part #'s for PS from 73 upto 76 (7814220) ..74-75 y78(Salon) and75 FE2 , 76( HD) are different (7816344)
82 parts book shows 7828284 and 7828285 HD.
or if you change from manual steering to power steering.
That is due to the fact that the pitman shaft on the manual box is smaller than the shaft on the power box. Obviously you need the arm to match the box. The OP isn't changing his steering box, just rebuilding the steering linkage.
just thought id add to the discussion,since people are going to the cherokee box, you will need the large arm if going from manual to it. probly need to clarify what im trying to say.
just thought id add to the discussion,since people are going to the cherokee box, you will need the large arm if going from manual to it. probly need to clarify what im trying to say.
The OP has a 1976 Supreme. Has anyone ever seen one of those with a manual steering box?
