replacing pitman arm problem..help please

[colaz71]

I have a 2000 chevy tahoe with old body style. I was attempting to replace the pitman arm and failed miserably. I got the center link undone. I also got the nut off the steering box. Only problem is I can not get the pitman arm off of the steering box. I would have used the pitman arm puller like I did with the center link bolt. But there are extreme clearance issues even attempting to use it on the steering box bolt. Sway bar and frame are among the big ones. Although I can easlily take off the sway bar. I also tried using a pitman arm puller/ball joint seperator, but none were wide enough at the forks to even go around the steering box stud.

Is there a technique I am missing?

Anyone have experience replacing these?

 

[colaz71]

Well I figured out the whole deal about having to take off the steering box. Got it pulled apart and new pitman arm put back in.

I have a different problem now. I torqued the steering box nut to 185 ft.lbs. as stated and the center linkage to 60 ft. lbs. as stated with the instructions.(which the 60 ft. lbs. doesn't seem to be tight enough to me. Although I was able to get the cotterpin installed.)

Now I pulled it down off the ramps and turned the steering wheel and it seemed the steering wheel would turn more than what the tires do.

Since there are teeth on the steering box I don't see that as being the problem. Could it be the center linkage bolt needs torqued more? Or is there another problem I am missing?

 

[colaz71]

I have everything figured out. Still have the clunk in the front end though. Which sucks, but at least I can drive it.

 

[mygreen98]

how did you get the pitman arm off.

 

[colaz71]

First used the pitman arm puller on the pitman arm/center link bar connection. I used an hammer to tap the hooks in between the center link bar and pitman arm, but gently because it doesn't take much. Then I had to take the three bolts off the steering gear box.(4x4 only from what I read) So that I could have a little bit of movement on the pitman arm/gear box. Then just used the pitman arm puller to take it off at the gear box. I moved the gear box slightly towards the sway bar and transfer case to get the puller onto it. Just make sure the puller is on the center of the bolt. Don't want to have it slip off and tear up your threads.

Also make sure you mark where each side of the pitman arm connects to the center link bar and gear box. I just used a silver marker for automotive use.

Hope it helps.