Pitman arm swap

[mdainsd]

I thought I was nearing the end. I changed the stock manual steering box out for a Borgsen (SP?) Power box.

The original pitman arm fits the new box but is biased to a left hand turn. Cant reclock the pitman arm as it has keys (filled in splines) that match the shaft on the box.

Do I need a different pitman arm? Is the power box assembled wrong?

 

[hunter1]

You can grind the filled in splines out. That’s what I did to get my arm clocked in the straight position.

 

[mdainsd]

The good thing is now I know its a real problem not something be caused by a hidden something. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[DirtDonk]

Sometimes a box might be keyed differently, but usually a Pitman Arm is keyed differently. Different ones sometimes for different vehicles.
First thing first though. Make sure your box is actually on-center.
If it’s still offset, you can grind the splines out like suggested, or since the metal isn’t all that hard to begin with, take a triangle file and literally just create your own splines. That’s what I did.
Just cut a notch in the center of the key splines and then put it on any way you want it.

 

[Joshuasnr]

Many builders end up using a drop pitman arm during this swap if they have a lift, as it solves the indexing issue and corrects steering geometry at the same time.

Are you running a suspension lift, or is the steering geometry still at the stock height?

 

[mdainsd]

Thanks. I bought a pitman arm that is fully toothed. That and a three way adjustable tire rod/drag link assembly. Should be good to go now, except chassis went to the body shop yesterday to get the body married to it.