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How hard is it to cut the pitman arm on a 1975? I'm trying to remove the gearbox (to convert to rack and pinion) and I can't get the pitman arm off the gearbox. I've tried three different pitman arm puller (broke one), and even after soaking in penetrating oil, it will not budge. I'd rather not remove the long tube header (and side pipe) just to get the gearbox out. I don't have a torch. I was thinking of using a saber saw, with a blade made for cast iron/high strength steel to cut the arm off near the gearbox. That should allow me to pull the gearbox up and out.
You should be able to remove the box with the arm on it. From below or above with a sb car- although the sidepipes may be the issue. I have never had to cut an arm off the 100's I removed but most of the time the box is out of the car. If you have to cut it, then a cut off wheel will do it but it will take time. Saw blade will cut it too if you have the room. At that point just cut across it .
Long tube headers prevent the gearbox from being removed from below. When trying to remove from above, the pitman arm gets caught in the header tubes. I'm trying to avoid removing the headers. I can't twist the gearbox without the pitman arm getting hung up.
The pitman arm on my '73 was stubborn as well the first time I removed it. I broke my first puller and had to upgrade to a beefier unit. I wasn't having much success with the second puller either but I left it on the arm and under tension while I moved on to other things. Every day for a couple of days, I would add more penetrating lube and try to snug the puller a little tighter. Came out to the workshop on the 3rd day and the arm had popped off some time in the middle of the night.
Sometimes, tapping on the arm with hammer while the puller has it under tension will get it to pop loose.
The pitman arm on my '73 was stubborn as well the first time I removed it. I broke my first puller and had to upgrade to a beefier unit. I wasn't having much success with the second puller either but I left it on the arm and under tension while I moved on to other things. Every day for a couple of days, I would add more penetrating lube and try to snug the puller a little tighter. Came out to the workshop on the 3rd day and the arm had popped off some time in the middle of the night.
Sometimes, tapping on the arm with hammer while the puller has it under tension will get it to pop loose.
DC
I first tried one of those pullers from Advanced Auto. Bent then broke it. I then ordered a heavier duty version from Napa.
As tightening the screw, I would tap (hit) the screw with a hammer.
I thought about leaving the tension on the puller. I might put it back on and do that.
I did the heavy duty puller thing....nothing happened.
I applied heat from a hand held propane torch...nothing.
I went into the house to eat lunch....about an hour later it sounded like someone shot a .38 revolver in the garage.
The puller was on one side of the garage...the pitman arm was on the opposite side!
Conclusion: Puller......beat.....heat....find a safe place to hide.
Note that OP doesn't need to save the pitman arm or steering box, so yes, he can cut it off. 4 inch rotary cut off wheel would be fairly easy work, or sawzall. Not so sure about a sabre saw though, like he mentioned.
75 Pitman arm removal
