1996 K2500HD pitman arm

[grouch]

I have a new pitman arm for my K2500HD. The old one is shot. Turn the wheel and nothing happens for 1/4 turn or more. I'm looking at that thing and can only think of two ways to get the old one off. Either a really wide pickle fork or grind a notch and whale on it with a chisel. Anybody got any suggestions? I can't see anyway to get a pitman puller on it.

 

[OR VietVet]

I would need to see but sometimes you have to remove the steering shaft and remove enough frame mount bolts to allow the gear to swing down for access with the puller. Leave one loose bolt attached to hold the gear in place as it swings down.

 

[grouch]

I would need to see but sometimes you have to remove the steering shaft and remove enough frame mount bolts to allow the gear to swing down for access with the puller. Leave one loose bolt attached to hold the gear in place as it swings down.

Unfortunately, this is an HD frame model and I'd have to pull the steering gear. I still work on my cars but working on my back is nearly impossible anymore. I have the new arm so I may chisel it apart and take it off that way. I've done similar as a field expedient but I try to be a little more elegant about my repairs.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Unfortunately, this is an HD frame model and I'd have to pull the steering gear. I still work on my cars but working on my back is nearly impossible anymore. I have the new arm so I may chisel it apart and take it off that way. I've done similar as a field expedient but I try to be a little more elegant about my repairs.

Pop was a mechanic for years. He has shared this story about an ex-boxer, cool guy, but wasn't mechanically inclined. He came to the shop to ask about having his axle shafts replaced on his vehicle. They said to bring it in. Didn't see him for a few days. Then he showed up, axles in hand. He didn't understand they could be removed from the differential, so he cold chiseled them out. If he can cold chisel axle shafts to break them free, you can chisel a pitman arm.

 

[grouch]

Pop was a mechanic for years. He has shared this story about an ex-boxer, cool guy, but wasn't mechanically inclined. He came to the shop to ask about having his axle shafts replaced on his vehicle. They said to bring it in. Didn't see him for a few days. Then he showed up, axles in hand. He didn't understand they could be removed from the differential, so he cold chiseled them out. If he can cold chisel axle shafts to break them free, you can chisel a pitman arm.

After I posted my earlier post, I visited the U of Y. I found my exact problem (Thanks Youtube) and the two thoughts I had seem to be what most people do. Basically, I'll notch the pitman arm on the splines and then hammer an air chisel in there. Once it cracks all the way, the arm will fall off. It looks to be a pain to put back on due to working on my back, but doable. Since the truck is one of 5 driving vehicles I've got, I'm in no hurry.

 

[OR VietVet]

You have to be careful and not damage that sector shaft. Pounding and air hammer on it and may damage it. The puller is designed for pulling and protecting the shaft. Get help if need two people.

 

[grouch]

You have to be careful and not damage that sector shaft. Pounding and air hammer on it and may damage it. The puller is designed for pulling and protecting the shaft. Get help if need two people.

As long as I have a good notch, an air chisel out to take care of business. I've dealt with worse. It will crack the arm and it will drop right off.

 

[OR VietVet]

I hope you are right. The damage to the shaft can show later.