Steering box to pitman arm

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Jneuman

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Do you just line up the splines on the pitman arm and the steering box? This is how I did it but it seems it turns more to the left than the right.
 

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Do you just line up the splines on the pitman arm and the steering box? This is how I did it but it seems it turns more to the left than the right.

Stock type steering? IIRC, the pitman arm only fits on one way.

Someone could have adjusted the steering stops, you're drag link could be way out of adjustment, or the steering box could have a twisted sector shaft from being in a previous wreck.
 

Jneuman

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That's what I figured. The truck was owned by an old farmer. It was just me being me and questioning things.
 

87ChevyR10

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Do you just line up the splines on the pitman arm and the steering box? This is how I did it but it seems it turns more to the left than the right.

Hey, did you get this figured out? My truck is doing the same thing. Turns on a dime going left, but needs a football field for right hand turns.

I am hoping for a chance to look at the steering components this weekend. Hopefully it is nothing more than an adjustment.

Thanks
 

towjoe

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Drag link out of adjustment more than likely. I've also had them steering column had been changed in and off a few splines
 

87ChevyR10

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Drag link out of adjustment more than likely. I've also had them steering column had been changed in and off a few splines

Considering that I've never dealt with a draglink before, how would I adjust it to where I get equal turning radius in both directions?

Thanks!
 

chengny

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The Pitman shaft and driven end of the Pitman Arm are splined - but they can be assembled in any position (i.e wrong) relative to each other.

You must be registered for see images attach


There is not an adjustable drag - as such - link on 2WD trucks.

If your steering is lopsided it is not a huge deal to pull the PA and reset it's position on the splines of the steering gear output shaft. You don't even need to tighten it up while finding the sweet spot - just lift both wheels off the ground and use the trial and error method. Start with the steering wheel straight, eyeball the PA and try to get it in the middle of the available stroke.
 

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The Pitman shaft and driven end of the Pitman Arm are splined - but they can be assembled in any position (i.e wrong) relative to each other.

You must be registered for see images attach


There is not an adjustable drag - as such - link on 2WD trucks.

If your steering is lopsided it is not a huge deal to pull the PA and reset it's position on the splines of the steering gear output shaft. You don't even need to tighten it up while finding the sweet spot - just lift both wheels off the ground and use the trial and error method. Start with the steering wheel straight, eyeball the PA and try to get it in the middle of the available stroke.

Great info! I paid attention long enough to count the # of turns going left/right: 2 turns left; and 1.25 to 1.5 turns right. I'm thinking I'm going to need a new steering box anyways. With the engine off, I can twist the wheel about 1/2 inch either direction. Will the front-end need alignment after this?

Thanks!
 

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