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Pitman Arm Replacement

SafariJeepXJ

Full Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2021
Messages
37
Location
JC, TN
Got a little bit of movement in the steering, and a shake when going over bumps. Did some checking underneath and looks like the TRE in the pitman arm is toast. I really hate when they design it with those in the arm instead of on the linkage bar. Anyway, no way to access the pitman arm without removing the steering box. Truck has 135k. Should I just replace the steering box at the same time?

Recommendations on brand? I'm planning on going OEM for the arm, and Napa for the box if necessary (looks like a refurb OEM).
 
Unbolt the box from frame. Now you should be able to use a puller to get the arm.
leave hoses hooked up.
 
Unbolt the box from frame. Now you should be able to use a puller to get the arm.
leave hoses hooked up.
Saw that on YT, makes enough sense but with the mileage does it makes sense to just go ahead and replace the box or do these usually not have any problems?
 
If the steering box is working correctly, I would leave it alone.
Often, the refurbished ones commonly sold at auto parts stores are not as good as OEM.
I ran into this situation, and didn't have the puller tool on hand.
I just unbolted the box from the truck and removed from vehicle. Not at all difficult to do.
Then I mounted up the pitman arm securely in my bench vise, threaded the nut back on the shaft to protect it, and then gave it a few bumps with a sledge hammer. Popped right out, and the nut stopped it from falling on the floor 👍
 
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