Quick Pitman Arm Question

[jakeyf08]

pitman arm.jpg

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!)

[MagicRat]

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.