Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Suspension, Brakes, Tires, Wheels steeringetc..
Post Reply
User avatar
Snowdog
Sweptline.ORG Member
Sweptline.ORG Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2018 11:38 am
City: Red Deer
State: AL

Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by Snowdog »

I've been trying like crazy to remove the Pitman arm on my '61 D100:

I've loosened the bolt enough that there's now actually play between the Pitman arm and the steering box shaft.

I've tried two different pullers, and despite the wiggling, I'm not able to pull the arm from the shaft.

Is there something else holding the arm on? Risking a silly question, as I'd rather feel dumb, than break something.

Thank you,
1961 Dodge D-100
Alberta, Canada

PwrWgnDrvr
Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
Posts: 7362
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 6:00 pm
Location: Walnut Creek, CA

Re: Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by PwrWgnDrvr »

Snowdog wrote:
Sat Apr 06, 2024 4:38 pm

Is there something else holding the arm on? Risking a silly question, as I'd rather feel dumb, than break something.

Thank you,
Yup. Simply pull the bolt all the way out. It rides in a groove on the steering box shaft. Its a safety feature so if the nut gets loose it won't fall off and leave you with no steering. You could have saved yourself a ton of grief, and time, if you were to consult the FSM on stuff you aren't familiar with, such as this.
PS, mark the position on the shaft so you get it back on correctly.

User avatar
Snowdog
Sweptline.ORG Member
Sweptline.ORG Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2018 11:38 am
City: Red Deer
State: AL

Re: Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by Snowdog »

Gotcha. FSM for 1961 just says refer to 1960 for these procedures. Thanks though.
1961 Dodge D-100
Alberta, Canada

PwrWgnDrvr
Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
Posts: 7362
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 6:00 pm
Location: Walnut Creek, CA

Re: Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by PwrWgnDrvr »

Snowdog wrote:
Sat Apr 06, 2024 6:44 pm
FSM for 1961 just says refer to 1960 for these procedures.
Now that's LAME! :banghead :shame

User avatar
Snowdog
Sweptline.ORG Member
Sweptline.ORG Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2018 11:38 am
City: Red Deer
State: AL

Re: Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by Snowdog »

Heck yah.
1961 Dodge D-100
Alberta, Canada

BigBlockTrucks
Sweptline.ORG Member
Sweptline.ORG Member
Posts: 450
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2021 11:46 pm
City: Binghamton
State: NY

Re: Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by BigBlockTrucks »

In 60 it worked the same way. I own one. The box is no longer in it but the pitman arm is. Interesting fact. That pitman arm fits on a saginaw box from an early 80 Chevrolet 4x4 box. That’s what steers my 60 now to get power steering.
Late 65 w 200.
Factory LU-2 winch.
Updates: 205 transfer case,4.10 gears, disc brake Dana 60 front with lock out hubs
440 repower in the works

60 d100
383 with 727
4 wheel disc
3.73 geared rear

User avatar
Wildergarten
Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
Posts: 1770
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:27 pm
City: Los Gatos
State: CA
Contact:

Re: Pitman Arm Removal - Am I missing a step?

Post by Wildergarten »

Snowdog wrote:
Sat Apr 06, 2024 4:38 pm
I'd rather feel dumb, than break something.
Well here's your opportunity! Pull the bolt. It passes through a groove on the shaft to lock the arm on. It must be revoved completely.

Once you get it out, you'll see it, and then your wish will be fulfilled!
'69 W200 (thumbnail)
'68 W200 (RIP)
'68 W200 383 NP435 3.53
'67 W200 383 NP435 4.10 w overload springs, Dana 60, PTO winch & flatbed dump, racks, crane, c-air (Max)
Mark Vande Pol
Wildergarten.org

Post Reply