Anyone ever see a pitman arm loose on a steering box? I mean the splines seem to be worn. I picked up an '87 IROC the other day and noticed the steering was a little loose. If I have someone turn the wheel while I watch I can see the steering box output shaft move before the pitman arm does. The nut is very tight. I've never seen that happen before. Anyone else?

That seems a little strange. The nut that holds the pitman arm in place should be torqued to 180ft/lbs - It least that is what is is on my Chevelle. Maybe it was installed incorrectly at some point and over time the teeth wore out. Are you sure the play is not in the steering box? I think that would be a more likely suspect.

The splines on the pitman shaft are tapered. They should force their way into the pitman shaft. There should never be play between the arm and the optman shaft.

If you can detect play between the arm and the pitman shaft there is something very seriously wrong! Remove the nut, lockwasher, and then the arm. Inspect the teeth in the arm and the splines on the pitman shaft. If the teeth in the arm are worn - throw it away and purchase a new one. If the splines on the pitman shaft appear worn, then it is time for a new gear or the pitman shaft replaced.

JIML82

Torque spec for a Camaro pitman is 140 ft lbs which is more than enough in my opinion. I've seen plenty that were next to impossible to remove even with a good puller and heat wrench.
David