1988 K1500 Pitman arm replacement

[67malibu]

I have a 1988 Silverado 4X4 with 160,000 miles on it. I've replaced every suspension and steering component over the years except the Pitman arm (and steering sector.) On my early '88, there is a steel plate welded from frame rail to rail under the steering sector giving the Pitman arm about 1 inch of clearance underneath it (the plate is over 12 inches wide front to back.) The Pitman arm looks impossible to replace without removing the steering sector but I wanted any feedback before spending the time on it. No puller can even fit onto the Pitman arm, let alone have enough clearance under it it separate the arm off. I've talked with people before and apparently other years ('89 and '90 that I know for sure) don't have this plate blocking access to the Pitman arm from underneath. My guess is that with a transition year, the General did something odd. This was also the time when they separated off the Z71 designation from being the general 4x4 package (mid-year '88.)

[rksnc]

If I remember correctly I took out a couple of the blots and tilted the gear box to remove pitman arm.

[blue chevy man]

My '97 tahoe 4x4 is the same way. There is the frame piece welded across the front that makes it impossible to get to the pitman arm. The only option I saw was to R&I the gearbox. I called my GM dealer (whom I trust) and they said that they had a special tool (go figure) that could reach into that small gap and remove the pitman arm. Since i was going with their part anyway, I chose to let them do the work and save me the hassle of removing the gear box. They charged me less than an hour to do the job. That was well worth my time.

Good luck.

[Cadillakin'98]

Great. I gotta do this soon on my '98. I don't recall seeing this plate ya'll are talking about but if Blue Chevy Man has it on his '97 Tahoe, I'm pretty sure I have it as well considering they are built on the same frame. Thought this job was going to be fairly simple but I guess thats what I get for thinking!!

Hey Blue Chevy Man.....although you didn't do it yourself, did you happen to see the special tool and did it look like it would make life alot better?? I refuse to let any one else touch my truck since it always seems like I end up going back and redoing it again anyway. I'm curious as to how different the design is on the special tool compared to the universal ones.

[blue chevy man]

I did not see the tool but the parts guy told me it cost a hefty amount to purchase. Don't know if it's still a high cost item or not. I agree with you that I don't like anyone touching my ride either but I trust these guys and I figure I shouldn't have to put another pitman arm for as long as I'm going to own it again so paying them 40 bucks labor to install was worth it. If you have a 4x4 tahoe then look at the bottom of the pitman arm and you'll see there's only about 1.5 inches between it and the frame. Not enough to get a universal remover into.

Pretty stupid design if you ask me but then again no one asked me. It wouldn't hurt to ask them what the tool would cost to buy or maybe there's an aftermarket available.

Good luck.

[67malibu]

I saw a puller billed as being for tight spaces such as I would need a few weeks ago while surfing the web. It was $78 and the picture looked like a simple design that shouldn't cost but $15. It looked like you would still need about 2 inches of clearance under the gear box to use it. I would assume you'd have to at least unbolt the gear box but maybe not remove it ( I could be wrong.) The best price I've seen is $59.22 (S&H = ?) but I'm still looking. It's part OTC 6496 and I've seen it at many websites describing it for use on 88 & up chevys (it lists late 90's Tahoes too) and many SUVs with clearance issues. I'm going to keep looking into it, maybe Autozone or somebody rents this particular tool? Has anybody tried this sucker out?

[localyokel]

Hi guys,I know this isnt the recommended way to do this but here goes anyway. A good air hammer (not a junkie little body hammer,but a good long stoke air hammer) and a long chisel. If you have these you dont need to have a puller or take the box loose.30-45min Take the nuts loose at the arm(I use a good quality cresent style adjustable wrench to remove the large nut because ther is no room for a socket) you can use your air hammer and long chisel from under the hood to knock off the pitman arm.I suppose you could also try using a long bar and BFH (hammer).I know your wondering if I've ever damaged a gear box doing this...No... However like I said this probably NOT the recommended way. but its aways worked best for me!I do recall having to take the sway bar bolts loose in order to get the pitman arm out on some models. Good Luck!!!