Pitman arm tips
 

You guys have any pitman arm removal tips I have a 04 . I have a air hammer and air tools

Pitman arm puller. I rented it, I think it was OTC, might have been the brand "OEM"

no other way to do it

I use pitman arm pullers if possible. If not I use my air hammer.

There have been many times I couldn't access the nut with a socket and used an air hammer to get the nut off and back on. Sounds like it wouldn't work but you can easily get over 150ish ft lbs of torque on a nut with a good air hammer. Spec is 184 ft lbs and i've pulled several nuts with the air hammer and they come right off. I hammer the new nut down until the new pitman arm fully seats on the shaft in the spot the old pitman did. (I say all that since you aren't technically torquing the nut)

Do everything you can to use the pitman arm puller to keep stress off the gear box, and they just make it super easy.

What spline count?
 

do I have a 3 spline or 4 spline pitman arm? with a 04 Silverado 4 wheel drive ?

Not sure you'll have to look



Oh and originally you asked for tips. This is a great video with several tips and it's on a avalanche so the procedure should be the same for yours

I used a 20 ton 3 jaw pulled to get mine off (2012 2500). Use a mirror and flashlight to count the splines, of course you will likely have to cleanse it with brakecleen first to see through the dirt.

Be prepared to loosen the steering box if you can't get your tool on, I had to do that.

I believe I removed the sway bar mounts and let it hang as well to get more space in there.


edit: and on the spline count, you'll need to physically go look. Do not take anyone's word on what spline count is on your truck, just make sure you go push up the seal a bit and look. 2 splines 90° apart will be a 4 spline obviously. You wouldn't believe how many Amazon reviews for the Moog pitman arm talked about having the wrong arm for their truck even though Amazon said it would fit. Always look yourself first to save the heartache.

[QUOTE=00pooterSS;5474133]Not sure you'll have to look



Oh and originally you asked for tips. This is a great video with several tips and it's on a avalanche so the procedure should be the same for yours

I noticed the heat on the gear box I am concerned about melting any seals on the gear box from heat

I used a Pitman arm puller from Advance or AZ or some such, a whole bunch (not just part of a bunch) of PB Blaster, and then at the end, a gentle tap from a BFH. I dosed it with the Blaster for a day or 2 beforehand, put the puller on as tight as I dared, then *gently* tapped the arm with my BFH. I did not BEAT THE HELL out of it. Well, not much, anyway. I didn't even have to use heat.

It jumped right off.

I've never had to use heat so far. I have had to tap the arm a couple of times with a hammer with the puller on real tight to help the arm move. But that's also rare.

You don't usually need to hit the arm downward, just tap on it and the tapping will help it break free, that's if it doesn't pop off with the puller alone.

I think this is a 4 spline pitman arm
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.per...e41fd77e2d.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.per...351a77d388.jpg

Use a mirror to look at the backside of the box I used a pick to help count the splines. If they are evenly spaced likely a 4 spline. And don’t use heat to the box you can heat the arm itself but not the box. Most of the time a killer and a couple taps with a hammer it will pop off. I work on a lot of trucks in NY and have yet to use heat on a pitman arm. Torsion bars rust like no other and have had to cut out though 👎🏼. When you put the new one on pack the exposed splines with grease helps with future replacements.

Hard to tell in the pics but looks like a 4

If you can't 100% identify it order both to your local part store and either take both home and return the one you don't use, or take it off and see and then go get the one you need. But have both in your hands or nearby before tearing it down.

Amazon Moog price
 

Its amazing how Oriellies want 137 for the same MOOG PITMAN ARM where amazon wants 37.00 same part #.

I buy my Moog parts from Amazon, but keep in mind they won't honor warranty if you didn't buy it at an authorized dealer such as Oreillys

That's not too rusty. I always use heat. Mostly because it makes the job easier and I'm done hanging my head on the wall with hard projects.

wont honor it thru rockauto either

What si
 

what size nut is on the pitman arm?

What size is the nut on the pitman 32mm or 34mm
 

What size is the large nut 32mm or 34mm ?

46mm for 11-14 3/4 truck.

I thought I used a 1-1/4" but I can't remember exactly.

Giant adjustable and wear gloves so if it slips you don't bash your knuckles as badly.

I just use my air hammer with a chisel bit lol

Man I been trying to get mine off for 2 days, I bought a puller from o Riley, but it ended up bending the arms. Think I might try whatever they have to rent, put some heat on it and it still didn't work

Unbolt Steer gear off the frame and get it over to the bench or floor..
Use a air hammer and a puller.. Put pressure on the puller and hit the top side of the arm with the air hammer.. It will come off.. Be careful with heat. You can cook the seal on the output shaft and it starts leaking...i screwed that up one time and had to buy a steering gear..