Pitman Arm question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
Pitman Arm question
I putting power steering in a 68 convertable. It's a big block & i've got everything done from the ram to the pump & pulleys, etc. I don't have the body on yet ut everything seems to fit with no issues. I've seen pitman arms on e-bay. Some say for power steering. I used the arm that was on the car. Is this an issue ? Is there a difference between the 2 ?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The difference is the angle of the arm. We get this question over and over so we put this in the repair and help instructions on the site for you today. http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=182
Here is a picture of them.
Here is a picture of them.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Yellow,
You should change it. Using the non power arm puts the power steering control valve in stress. The valve works off the pressure from the inside of the valve in direct relation to the ball stud. The non power steering arm will put the ball stud in the wrong position and while it works fine now, it will cause early failure.
Willcox Inc.
You should change it. Using the non power arm puts the power steering control valve in stress. The valve works off the pressure from the inside of the valve in direct relation to the ball stud. The non power steering arm will put the ball stud in the wrong position and while it works fine now, it will cause early failure.
Willcox Inc.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i have a PS pittman arm from left over from my steeroids conversion and i believe i know where it is.....if you want it PM me. i'm sure we can figure out a suitable arrangement.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
The car assembly plants absolutely hated additional parts and part numbers on their assembly lines. And particularly two parts that looked so much alike.
Off-hand I do not know the reason for the two different arms that look so much alike. But there had to be a darn good reason that they couldn't make one of them work in both applications.
Use the correct one for your application.
Jim
Off-hand I do not know the reason for the two different arms that look so much alike. But there had to be a darn good reason that they couldn't make one of them work in both applications.
Use the correct one for your application.
Jim
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Jim,
You are absolutely correct! If you look at a car without power steering and the position of the drag link, then compare it to the position of the power steering control valve stud you will see the difference.
While the non power pitman arm will work, it will put extra pressure on the valve stud and cause pre-mature failure.
Willcox Inc.
You are absolutely correct! If you look at a car without power steering and the position of the drag link, then compare it to the position of the power steering control valve stud you will see the difference.
While the non power pitman arm will work, it will put extra pressure on the valve stud and cause pre-mature failure.
Willcox Inc.
