jcchevy

The project (62) I am working on had the the steering column/box rebuilt by a previous shop. All looks good. Installed box/column and things went well. One point of interest was that all the articles I read and videos I reviewed on the rebuild said there was about 4.25 turns lock to lock. This one is 5.25 turns lock to lock. The pitman arm was left attached to steering rod from previous work. I attempted to install pitman arm on to the box and could not get the splines to align. I removed the pitman arm from the steering rod and it goes on the box with no issues. With steering at center (of lock to lock) and wheels straight ahead, the pitman arm is pretty well centered in the frame mounted stop. However, I am about 2.5 inches off on the pitman arm ball and the steering rod connection. Am I missing something obvious? See attached picture.

wmf62

well, the pitman arm has a wide indexing spline, so it will only fit one way; so that is a puzzler.... the only possibility is that the steering rod is 'somehow' too long or the steering arm is bent. can the steering rod not be shortened by adjustment?

Bill

jcchevy

zzz

Puzzling to me also. Thinks look to be in reasonable shape with no noticeable bending. The car sat for a few years before it was brought to me. Will get some more info from the owner tomorrow.

K2

Check the position of your third arm. It should be in line with centerline of car with wheels straight ahead. If it is not, then tie rods need to be adjusted till it is.

wmf62

good point...
Bill

wilbur

The drag link has a short side and long side.
Maybe you have two long sides ?