pitman arm position

[Jungle Tom]

I just torqued my 65 satellite new pitman arm to 110 pounds and it appears that there is about 3/8 inch space between the arm and the box. is that correct or do i need to clean the spine and start over. videos are great but they are not as good as experience.

 

[Kern Dog]

I have a Borgeson unit in my red car.

That boot hides the exposed splines that you'd normally see. On another car, you'll have to squint to see but there is about 1/2" to 5/8" gap between the Pitman arm and steering box housing.

 

[Vaanth]

I just torqued my 65 satellite new pitman arm to 110 pounds and it appears that there is about 3/8 inch space between the arm and the box. is that correct or do i need to clean the spine and start over. videos are great but they are not as good as experience.

The gap is normal. The steering gear output shaft and the hole in the pitman arm are tapered for a "wedge" fit when installed. If torqued to specification, the nut surface should be close to even with the end of the shaft or with a few threads showing. With the arm in place, a gap like you see is typical.

The following image shows the pitman arm on the factory steering gear from my Challenger T/A. The arm has never been removed. You can see a similar gap.

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