Pitman arm to new steering pump

I'll be installing a new manual steering pump in a 1973. I've replaced all tie rod ends so the pitman arm was taken off both the pump and the drag link. Now I have to replace it. What is the best method of attaching the pitman back to the pump & have it centered correctly?

 

I don't know about a manual box, but on a power steering box it will only fit one way because of the way the splines are cut.

 

You mean the steering box (aka steering gear)? The pump is the thing on the engine that supplies power for power steering.

 

Manuals are the same way. It will only go on one way. Then put the nut on it, grab your air gun and press it on.

 

You want to be careful about installing with an air gun. The impact of the gun can damage the internals of the box, and I've seen too many Pitman arms come loose when only a gun was used to install them. A breaker bar is better, a torque wrench is the best.

 

My breaker bar got it off, it'll put it back on. I guess what I was wondering is if i could possibly put it on the box and then find out it was cranked all the way over and have to pull everything off again.

 

You should be able to slide it on just a bit, then have someone turn you steering wheel lock to lock so you can verify for yourself that is where it needs to be.