Pitman Arm Application Questions

[Rob'68Net]

I have to replace the power steering box on a 1966 Coronet 440 shortly. Purchased a new box minus the pitman arm. Box has 1-1/8 sector shaft. Now here's the confusing part, when I look up the pitman arm on both the Advance Auto site and also on Kanter Auto, I get the same Pitman Arm number that covers multiple years. For example, RP20101 covers 66-69 models on the Advance site. Kanter part number PIT18452 also covers 66 through at least 1969 models. Why is it that when I look up a fast ratio pitman arm, they say application is only for 68-72 ? Proforged # 103-10031. What changes with the fast ratio arm if the standard arm covers multiple years. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks! Rob

 

[gkent]

I'm guessing they would only list the fast ratio arm for the years that had the option - that way they can't be held responsible if it doesn't fit what you're trying to put it on.

 

[Vaanth]

I have to replace the power steering box on a 1966 Coronet 440 shortly. Purchased a new box minus the pitman arm. Box has 1-1/8 sector shaft. Now here's the confusing part, when I look up the pitman arm on both the Advance Auto site and also on Kanter Auto, I get the same Pitman Arm number that covers multiple years. For example, RP20101 covers 66-69 models on the Advance site. Kanter part number PIT18452 also covers 66 through at least 1969 models. Why is it that when I look up a fast ratio pitman arm, they say application is only for 68-72 ? Proforged # 103-10031. What changes with the fast ratio arm if the standard arm covers multiple years. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks! Rob

The 1962 - 1972 B-bodies used one Pitman arm from 1962 - 1970. This Pitman arm has a 1-1/8" shaft. 1971 - 1972 still used 1-1/8" shaft, but the Pitman arm changed to the style used on the E-body with the steering box mount angle change. The shaft size changed to 1-1/4" in 1973.

The 1962 - 1972 B-bodies used one idler arm for 1962 - 1967 and a second, different idler arm for 1968 - 1972. The idler arm changed when the mounting was improved for the 1968 K-member with two mount points and through bolt instead of the single lower mount point.

Although the Proforged number 103-10031 fast ratio arm will physically fit the pre-1968 models, they are likely only specifying 1968 - 1972 because they also specify their companion longer idler arm, part number 102-10063, to be used in conjunction with the longer fast ratio Pitman arm. The later idler arm will not fit on the earlier K-member.

Although the longer Pitman arm alone will work, steering geometry is not ideal. However, Chrysler did just this on the 1970 Trans-Am E-bodies with a longer fast ratio Pitman arm, and the standard E-body idler arm. In the case of the E-bodies, a 1970 C-body idler arm can be used to match the Pitman arm. I have done this with the C-body idler arm on both of my T/A Challengers.

Following are aftermarket parts numbers and fitment for the 1962 - 1972 B-bodies. Most are obsolete but might still be found. Moog is still available, but recent production quality can be questionable.

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B-body Steering Arms 1962 - 1972	Pitman Arm 1962 - 1970	Pitman Arm 1971 - 1972	Idler Arm 1962 - 1967	Idler Arm 1968 - 1972
Moog	K780	K-7102	K779	K7041
TRW	18695	18758	18595	18744
Sealed Power	—	—	803-18595	803-18744
McQuay-Norris	—	—	FA5012	FA605
Spicer	—	—	450-1003	450-1025

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[mobileparts]

Vaanth ,
I see your first boo boo , maybe a typo ….The old T R W # for 1962 - 1970 “ B “ is 18595……
And , the MOOG K780 has not been available for over 20 years now….
Even the MOOG K779 has been discontinued for over 5
years already…..

Yours, Craig…..

 

[Vaanth]

Vaanth ,
I see your first boo boo , maybe a typo ….The old T R W # for 1962 - 1970 “ B “ is 18595……
And , the MOOG K780 has not been available for over 20 years now….
Even the MOOG K779 has been discontinued for over 5
years already…..

Yours, Craig…..

You're right Craig. I fixed the typo, thanks. The numbers were provided for information.

There is at least one new K780 left. I have it, but it's not for sale:

I have a K779 too, but no box, and it's a Goerlich brand.

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