Brettmc

Also, do I need a special puller or technique to get the pitman arm off?

Brett :thumbs:

Eddie 70

I didn't have a socket big enough, so I just used a big crescent wrench to get that nut off. I believe I used a puller to get the arm off.

Brettmc

My plus-size sockets: 1 1/16, 1 1/8, 1 3/16...the last one was almost big enuff. Might hafta get a plus-size cresent. Thanks!

Brett :thumbs:

norvalwilhelm

I don't know th size of the socket but I have up to 1 1/2 and one of them fit. You definitely need a puller. That arm is on tight.

noskillz

Most all auto parts stores have a pitman arm puller. I found on ein the HELP! section for a few bucks.

70BBvert

It's 1 5/16" I think. Bought a 1" drive socket & drive adaptor at Sears when I removed mine. I'll check the size tonight. Pitman arm puller is a must. I got that at Autozone's tool loaner program. You buy the tool & when returned the refund the cost in full

Brettmc

I'll prolly just buy the puller if it's not real expensive. I don't mind buying tools, even to use one time.

Brett :thumbs:

TotallySmoked

70BB is right, it's 1 and 5/16 or 1.3125 when using a digital caliper.

rexx78

I don't know the size, but I bought an adjustable pitman arm puller a while back. I have successfully used it for my tie rods and ball joints, and I know it will fit the pitman arm. I think it was about $30 Cdn from Princess Auto (I think it's a Canadian store.) :cheers:

http://www.princessauto.com/PAcountr...Y=CAN&INF=home

BillyGags

So when I was doing work to my '76 I ran into the same pitman arm issue everybody here is talking about. I got the puller from the auto parts store no problem there. But when I went to put it back on the new headers made it impossible to use a big adjustable. So back to the store I go, with nut in hand. No SAE sizes fit right. I was like really... it's metric but they had a 33mm socket 1/2 drive. PERFECT FIT! Using a 5 inch extension I wrenched it on there. YAY all put back together. I did respond to a specific post but really this is for everyone's information. Also, there are two bolts on the rag joint that are 7/16 12 point, look out for that too. I have a '76 so don't know how much something like that changes. Any way happy wrench turning!

redvetracr

you are posting to a 13 year old thread

BillyGags

Yes I'm aware. Where do you think I found all the info for doing work on my car? GASP! Old forum posts. Just in case anybody stumbled upon this one looking for help on pitman arms & nuts, they would be covered.

Bikespace

Is this thread 1 year old, or 15 years old? I don't care.

Thanks to this thread, I was able to make one trip to Sears, and get just the size socket (and 1/2" to 3/4" adaptor) that I needed. (FWIW, I bought the only one they had, which was one more than Harbor Freight had. Perhaps an auto parts store would have worked, too).

Yes, it is a 1 5/16" socket that is required. The puller worked, first try (with a bit of tapping with a hammer). So, to the next person contemplating this job, go ahead and buy the socket and puller now, or order them online, and save yourself a trip to the mall.

Big2Bird

I miss Norval. He was a hoot.

fitter

1-5/16" inch socket. I just replaced mine a week ago.

L88Plus

I have broken more than my share of pitman arm removal tools. Sometimes those puppies are STUCK!
I use an angle grinder with a thin cutoff wheel. Cut as far through the big end as you can, then slip a thin chisel in the cut and whack it pretty good with a hammer to split it all the way through to the shaft. Once the end is split, it comes right off.
I started putting milk of magnesia (anti-sieze) on them when I install the new ones. I guess we'll see if it helps...if I ever have those same ones go out again...