Steering box removal question ?

66plysat · Oct 5, 2015

I'm emptying my engine bay for repaint and want to remove the steering box. The steering coupler has a spine connection, is there a pin that needs to be driven out to disconnect the coupler. What is the best way to remove this pin?

Next, the pitman arm disconnect. What is the best way to disconnect the pitman arm, is there a special tool that is needed?

mmissile · Oct 5, 2015

Pittman arm puller, and the pin in the bottom of the coupler needs to be knocked out. I use a correct size punch and hammer.

MoparMitch · Oct 5, 2015

There is a roll pin through the coupler joint that you drive out with a pin punch. You will need a pickle fork or separator tool to disconnect the pitman from the drag link. Some times if you just smack the joint near the connection with a hammer, it will break loose. You can just leave the pitman connected to the gear box if all you are doing is painting. Hope that helps.

WileERobby · Oct 5, 2015

Yes, there is a roll pin that you drive out. I have a few different size diameter nails that the head and tip are cut off, use the exact diameter to punch it out. You need a puller for the Pitman arm, but why take it off ? Just remove the centerline.< link

66plysat · Oct 5, 2015

Regarding WileERobby, can you explain what the centerline link is. When I disconnect the powersteering box the pitman arm is connected on either end, which end is easier to remove for complete removal of the steering box, are the connected with a bolt, cotter pin etc?

PurpleBeeper · Oct 5, 2015

66plysat said:
Regarding WileERobby, can you explain what the centerline link is. When I disconnect the powersteering box the pitman arm is connected on either end, which end is easier to remove for complete removal of the steering box, are the connected with a bolt, cotter pin etc?

The centerlink is the long bar running left/right with no pivots on it & has 4 holes in it (two at each end). The Pitman arm goes in one of those holes (2nd one in, driver's side). Neither end of the Pitman arm is all that tough to remove and you only have to take off one end to get the steering box off. As 68chicken mentioned, "sometimes" you can just smack the connection point from the side (in this case the centerlink) with a big hammer & it will come free (small dents though). On the steering box end of the Pitman arm, I've always used a puller (about $15 at any auto parts store) which is a non-sliding 2-arm puller with a jack screw in the middle. Pickle forks haven't worked too well for me on that end of the Pitman arm.

WileERobby · Oct 5, 2015

The dam spell check won't let me write center "LINK"

66plysat · Oct 5, 2015

Thanks for all the info, doesn't sound like it's too tough to remove. Hardest part seems to be stripping all the paint from the engine bay, luckily I'm about 3/4 done.

Great advice on FBBO from great members trying to help out and pass on their knowledge, thanks again.

Richard Cranium · Oct 5, 2015

A 1/4" punch is what you need to knock the roll pin out.

66plysat · Oct 5, 2015

Well I followed everyones advice and was able to remove the steering box without much trouble. The local O'Reilly auto store has a tool loan program, they loaded me a pitman arm remover and a pickle fork.

Thanks again for the advice and help, I couldn't done it without you guys.

Steering box removal question ?

66plysat

Well-Known Member

mmissile

Well-Known Member

MoparMitch

Well-Known Member

WileERobby

FBBO Gold Member

66plysat

Well-Known Member

PurpleBeeper

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WileERobby

FBBO Gold Member

66plysat

Well-Known Member

Richard Cranium

FBBO Gold Member

66plysat

Well-Known Member

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