Pitman arm

I'm back again with a new question. The idler arm and pitman arm needed replacement. Replaced the idler arm without problem. Went to replace the pitman arm and ran into a problem. It seems that it cannot be removed without removing the whole steering box. The frame crossmember is in the way of using a puller. Could a pickle fork be used? Any help would be appreciated.

I don't think I would attempt it that way. I know you don't want to hear this but I am pretty sure you have to remove the steering box, Make sure you unplug your battery and disable your air bag, take you time and it will pay off in the end, using a fork could damage the splines. Make sure you mark the exact direction of the arm in realtionship to how it is seated on your steering box too, you'll want the new arm in the exact position. I think there are only 3 bolts holding the box on.

How do you know they need replacing, have you tried to grease them yet?

I took it for an alignment and they told me the idler arm and pitman arm were worn and needed replaced. I replaced the idler arm easy enough. I did it the right way and removed the steering box. Pain in the ass but I got the new pitman arm on. Guess I didnt' line my marks up well because the steering wheel is crooked now. Any ideas on this? Do I have to redo everything again to straighten wheel?

I would go for an alignment after you have replaced the components.

There should have been a mark on the pitman and one on the box shaft to align.

if your idler arm was real sloppy, the alignment shop probably coundn't get a good center on your steering wheel. After a new alignment you may be perfectly straight on your steering wheel.

After an alignment you are supposed to have the wheel straight when you are going straight on flat ground.

If its not straight the tech didnt follow the procedure properly.

Alignment is more than just the direction of your tires.