jb78L-82

Does anyone have good suggestions on how to take the steering box out of a 78, specifically how to separate the pitman arm from the balancing valve without the use of a ball joint/Tie rod/pitman arm fork. I am concerned about damaging not so much the boot on the pitman arm/balancing value, but the balancing valve itself using a fork. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanx.

A88FXRS

have used a small gear puller. occasionally works but not always.

jb78L-82

I was thinking of a ball joint separator or a pitman arm puller. Thanx.

71406

If you only want to pull the steering box why not just separate the box from the pitman arm. You can leave the pitman arm connected to the valve and not deal with your concerns of damaging the valve.

chvet73

I have a puller which is made just for the Pitman arm. It will pull the arm damage free. I think Eastwod has them as well as NAPA.

jb78L-82

GTR99 wants the pitman arm on the box when I send it to him. Gary (GTR99) suggests a tie rod puller to remove the pitman arm from the control value. I think that I will try that technique, Thanx.

DIP51

He probably wants to index it, or something like that. He is a CRAZY MAN when it comes to details...but that is exactly why we LOVE him!!!

lr172

Auto stores will rent/sell at tie rod puller (NOT a pickle fork). This is what I used. You will need to manuever the steering around quite a bit to find a position that works. Also, use a c clamp to keep the puller forks from separating and popping off.

Good luck

jb78L-82

Good tips guys! Thanx

DARROW

Its a little hard to get the arm back on when it in the car the torq is high.

sperkins

You should check the ball stud on the control valve for play as well while you have the box out. I had my box rebuilt by Gary as well and found that the ball stud was so worn that it was causing half of my steering wheel play.

BTW - Gary does outstanding work.

TyCor

I might be in the market for some work on my '77 as well. I have tons of play in the wheel...what does it cost for a re build, any ideas??