Quick Pitman Arm Question

42519

I am curious if there should be a gap in the top of the pitman arm between the arm and steering pump. My first guess is that this is how the height is adjusted but I want to make sure. I am in the process of replacing ball joints, idler arm, tie rods, and if this must be replaced I would like to do it now while I have it torn apart!

(Ignore the oil an anti freeze please! changed the water pump and oil cooler lines, both which were leaking!)

It looks fine to me. Most pitman arms on any vehicle are not wedged right up against the steering box. All of them show a gap to some degree, sometimes as much as 1/2 inch+ on some larger trucks.

If your pitman arm is snug with no movement on the shaft, and the nut is tight, you're fine.