Pitman Arm Removal

I am going to finally replace the steering box on my '75 CJ-5,, I've heard that it might be difficult to remove the pitman arm,, any suggestions for removal ?? The old box lower seal has been dripping greese/oil on it for a while, and I hope that this might make it a bit easier.. Any hints as to aligning the splines ??

SPW

 

The easiest way is to go to Harbor Freight(or the like) and purchase a pitman arm puller. They are fairly cheap and will make short work of pulling the arm without damaging the box.

 

If you get the puller tight to the point you can not turn it anymore and still wont budge, then strike the side of the arm where it mounts to the shaft with a hammer. Just be prepared for it to suddenly release.

 

Get yourself a long handle to help in removal. I used a breaker bar and a chunk of 4 foot PVC for leverage. It didn't want to come off. Maybe an impact wrench would work better???

High5

 

it also helps to smack the livin bejesus out of the bolt on the puller when it is tight. Also two hammers at the same time on opposite sides of the arm. Some can be a real bugger to get off. Yes an impact will work better. Tighten hit, tighten hit, tighten hit.... oh, and the PB blaster too. If it is especially bad, heat then PB.

Good Luck

after all these tips you will probably put the puller on and it will pop right off... scare it off helps too, place very large hammer on floor in plain view!

 

I still hav'nt got mine off. PITA. Steve are you replacing the column too ? P/S swap ?

 

Every thing came off easy,,, mabey too easy !! I'm sure that the fact that the oil/grease was seeping out of the steering box lower seal onto the splines and nut for a year helped a lot,, Not replacing the column,,, but did replace the upper "U" joint and the lower Coupling,, Decided not to go P/S either,,, The box is from Quadratec, made by Crown,, suposidly new,, not rebuilt. Drives much better now,,

 

heating the arm will also help...thermal expansion and all...