The pitman arm shaft seal on my 89 Custom Cruiser with 350k is leaking profusely. How hard of a job is it to replace the seal with the steering box on the vehicle ? I wonder how hard it will be to pull the pitman arm too. Thanks.

 

I'm not on specifics to this wagon but it should be the usual methods. Consult assembly manual if you have one.
You'll need a pitman arm puller. Reasonable cost if you purchase, you might be able to rent one at the autoparts store.
Run engine, turn steering to full stop right or left. The seal should loudly pop out after a try or two.
This will make a mess, but it sounds like you're dealing with that all ready.
Clean things up and press new seal in with a piece of pipe of the proper diameter.
If you find an excessively sized groove in the shaft, you probably going to need a speedi sleeve to slide on the shaft before the seal, or risk leakage.
Torque the nut accordingly when finished.

Thats the basic info.

 

Isn't there a snap ring that needs removal first?

 

Yes, there is a large snap ring that needs to be removed. The seal will push out just enough to vent the fluid (and it will go everywhere) and then it will stop, and will need to be pulled out. I put a 5 gallon bucket under the area with some rolled up cardboard in an attempt to minimize the mess, and fluid still went everywhere. Don't do this in your garage, find a spot outside somewhere.
For installation, I used a short piece of PVC pipe that I marked with installation depth. I saved that pipe just in case I ever needed to do this job again. I'm at work now, so if I can remember when I get home I will post a picture of the home made tool so you can replicate it.

 

Thanks for bringing that up. That's important.

 

Here are pics of my home made seal installation tool.

 

That thing is leaking so much there might not be fluid inside to push the seals out. Hah. I will put a 5 gal bucket right up to it and give it a try. Looks like the bottom seal is 1" in the hole and the "top" one about 3/4" in the hole. Autozone has a heavy duty puller I will try. Maybe it will work without any use of a hammer. Thanks again.

 

You need the puller to get the Pittman arm off. Do NOT use a hammer on it. Do not be surprised if it is a little difficult to get off. The seal is held in place by a circlip. Just be careful that you do not scratch the shaft. You might even use some 000 steel wool to smooth the shaft. 600-1500 grit carbide paper would also work, and may be easier to get against the shaft to polish it.

 

I plan on getting the HD puller that AutoZone rents. It sells for $81, so it might do the job. Thanks.

 

I have put an impact wrench on it in the past to remove the arm.

 

Little follow-up. Yes, the pitman is really tight but not too tight for that HD Pitman Arm Puller from Autozone and my Husky 1/2 dr air driven impact gun. And yes again, both seals did blow out when the engine was started, kept on high idle, and the steering wheel turned side to side. I did press an 5 gal pail as high as possible and the mess was pretty well contained. The 183 ft lb torque on the nut requires some creativity but, all is well.