Pitman arm sector shaft over-engagment

[Oldtimer]

Stock Ford power steering box (72) & power steering piman arm.

Pitman arm is so far on sector shaft that the nut and lock washer bottom out on sector shaft.
PO used a ball bearing race as a spacer (not a good idea).

Is this typical, am I missing a part, or is there some other issue I need to discover?

 

[73azbronco]

Why did po do that?

 

[Yeller]

It probably got ran loose at some point. I have one that has a flat washer on it along with the lock washer, was a roadside repair that has been running strong for the last 10 years…. I really should fix that I guess.

 

[DirtDonk]

What is the overall condition of both sets of spines otherwise?

 

[Oldtimer]

Straight Line Steering told me the pitman arm is worn out, most likely from driving with loose retaining nut. I have a different arm that sits flush when installed, so sector shaft may be slightly worn. Manual pitman arms have a smaller diameter splined hole so they go on with plenty of engagement.

POWER STEERING PITMAN ARM


MANUAL STEERING PITMAN ARM



Edit: added photos

 

[DirtDonk]

Man, that thing is so far down the hole, it looks upside down! It’s been so long since I had my original one off, I don’t remember how much, if any recess there was.

I had an aftermarket arm that must’ve been breached incorrectly. Or had some burgers on the spine that I didn’t detect
I tightened down the nut and then once or twice a week I would re-tighten it. I had to re-tighten it for six months of daily driving before it finally seated fully on the taper.

 

[jamesroney]

Straight Line Steering told me the pitman arm is worn out, most likely from driving with loose retaining nut. I have a different arm that sits flush when installed, so sector shaft may be slightly worn. Manual pitman arms have a smaller diameter splined hole so they go on with plenty of engagement.

POWER STEERING PITMAN ARM
View attachment 924839

MANUAL STEERING PITMAN ARM

You are reminding me of why I often end up using the manual arms.

I have had to machine a step collar for these in the past. It only needs to be about 1/4 inch thick. I suppose you could make a fancy nut as well, but I like the big split lock washer.

Make certain that the major OD on that forging will fit your puller. I usually put a couple of flats on the 78-79 arms so that the average cheap pitman arm puller will fit. I don't know why Ford made that part so big.