Pitman Arm
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
Pitman Arm
When I converted my manual steering to power steering in my 68 I did'nt change the pitman arm. Everything looks OK & it seems to steer just fine but I see there is a different pitman arm for power steering. Does anyone know why I would have to change this ?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Well, I'm not certain, but the 1971 AIM does show a P/N 3741383 listed on UPC 'N40', Sheet A4 for the detail on the power steering system. Usually, the assumption is that the standard build parts are used with an option, unless there is another shown [and designated] on the option drawing. I would think this means that there is a different Pittman arm for the manual steering set-up. However, the steering gear assembly was procured as a sub-assembly from Saginaw Steering, so there is no detail on the 'standard-build' sheet (UPC 9, Sheet A2).
I don't know if that helps or not...
I don't know if that helps or not...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I did the same thing to my 70 when I changed from manual to power. I bought the steering setup off of a wrecked 76 or so and put it in. I left the stock non power pitman arm. I had the car setting on the ground. I started the car and got the ram centered as good as I could get it. I then connected the ram. When I started the car everything was good. I could turn the wheel all the way to the left and that was good. I tried to turn the car to the right and the wheel took off and went to full lock on its own as hard as it could go. I had to turn the car off it was still trying to turn as hard as it could go. I wound up trading a local guy my non power pitman arm for his power pitman arm. After installing the power pitman arm the car was perfect.
That was my experience with this.
Here is a picture of a Pitman arm from Zip Corvettes webpage.
That was my experience with this.
Here is a picture of a Pitman arm from Zip Corvettes webpage.
Last edited by Eddie 70; Mar 15, 2010 at 09:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
The PS arm has a curve in it for clearance when turned fully to the lock position. You take a serious chance that binding cause by the wrong arm will cause uncontrolled sudden steering jerk to the side. You wouldn't want that would you?
Last edited by wombvette; Mar 16, 2010 at 10:24 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
Thanks wombvette...I've been waiting for a reply as to why I should change it. Although my car does drive, steer & turn just fine. I'll crawl under & see what it does when turned both directions. Thanks again...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
As Eddie says, I believe it happens when turned right. Just let it sit on the ground and turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running. As you get to the bind, it will jerk the wheel out of your hand.
