Hi, while I'm waiting for my P/S gearbox, coming from a member here from California, I thought I'd go through the R&R process and ask one question.....It seems fairly easy, starting with removing the P/S hoses then unbolting the 2 rag joint flange nuts and bolts then unbolting the pitman arm from the steering linkage then unbolting the 3 bolts which secure the box to the frame.....My question is, does the steering linkage need to be dropped down or can I just unbolt the pitman arm from the linkage, leaving everything else intact?.....Also, does the pitman arm stud have a taper fit onto the steering linkage?.....Thanks, Ron

I was able to pull the steering box w/o dropping the linkage.

However I had the motor out at the time. You might have to raise the motor up or remove any headers/ex manifold on that side to do it, if the motor is still in.

On my no-headers, automatic car, I used a pickle fork to separate the pitman arm from the drag link, disconnected hoses and rag joint and then three bolts and box dropped right down. It helps to have the car lifted on stands and one guy below and one above. I also disconnected one brake line at the distibution block for clearance.

One more thing- after the new box is in, you may have to re-index your steering wheel alignment, so your wheels are straight when the steering wheel is. If you send it to a shop, be clear you only need them to address that issue because on mine they did a full spec alignment and took out all my caster in the process.

I personally wouldn't use a pickle fork. Go buy or rent a pitman arm puller. They are cheap - about $15 to buy one. Then you won't risk damaging the seal on the box. You can then just let the suspensinsion linkage hang there. The pitman arm is a splined deal that will only go back on one way due to a "flat" machined into the splines. I don't remember if it's tapered or not, but the puller will make it an easy job.

I might add, I'm running a 327, equipped with a cheap pair of small tube headers, and a 4-speed tranny.....It just seems like that steering box will drop right down without having to remove or raise anything!.....So, that's cool that the pitman arm can be removed from the steering link without having to lower it or disconnect it!.....The car will be up on ramps which will give me plenty of clearance under there.....To me, it just seems too easy and shouldn't take any more than a hour or so to R&R that box!

I personally wouldn't use a pickle fork. Go buy or rent a pitman arm puller. They are cheap - about $15 to buy one. Then you won't risk damaging the seal on the box. You can then just let the suspensinsion linkage hang there. The pitman arm is a splined deal that will only go back on one way due to a "flat" machined into the splines. I don't remember if it's tapered or not, but the puller will make it an easy job.


Be advised, I'm not removing the pitman arm from the steering box, just from the steering linkage!:yes:....My replacement box has a pitman arm installed on it already!:yes:

Copy that!

I personally wouldn't use a pickle fork. Go buy or rent a pitman arm puller. They are cheap - about $15 to buy one. Then you won't risk damaging the seal on the box. You can then just let the suspensinsion linkage hang there. The pitman arm is a splined deal that will only go back on one way due to a "flat" machined into the splines. I don't remember if it's tapered or not, but the puller will make it an easy job.

I wouldn't either!:thumbsup: