Pitman / Idler arm help needed

[TheAutumnWind]

Thanks Larry, I did have a shop install the ball joints but I did all the other work. I looked them over when I picked it up, but never hurts to confirm again, I'll do that as well as my own work.

Got an app today to get alignment checked so we'll see how bad it's out (I'm sure it is) and what change it makes in condition. Getting a GOOD alignment around here anymore is next to impossible, same can be said for getting a GOOD tire balance job.........I've even considered buying my own balancer....

...

Unfortunately "set the toe and let it go" is the mantra now adays. I have had issues with alignment shops as well. I need to get the poor mans tape measure alignment figured out.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I am @ ~200k and plan to replace idler/pitman/upper control arms/tie rods/lower ball joints/bushings sometime when I get the chance... (parts just sitting in the garage...) But I can take a look @ mine and see how it all compares to yours.

 

[number9]

That'd be great!

 

[Larryjb]

I haven't had a chance to snap a picture of my relay rod yet, I'll do that in a little while.

Don't take any offense with my question, it's just that I saw that this would be an extremely easy mistake. I had to check pictures for reference to make sure my relay rod was installed correctly. I assume yours is too, but just in case. I noticed that it would be extremely easy to install the relay rod backwards, so that the curved ends point towards the stabilizer rod instead of away from it. Is it possible that it was rotated this way? I realize that because of the taper, it cannot be installed upside down, but it would be possible to install backwards. Given that, however, I do suspect that you wouldn't be able to install the inner tie rods and connect them to the outer tie rods and knuckle.

Larry

 

[Larryjb]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t1050461-idler_arms_and_pitman_arm.html

See 5th post here. I wasn't aware that the bolt holes were oversized to allow adjustment.

Larry

 

[Larryjb]

It appears that, when loaded (full weight on all 4 wheels), the relay rod is parallel with the crossmember. Due to parallax (camera angle between the cross member and relay rod), it appears to be at a slight angle in one picture. I was going to put a level on it, but I just didn't have time.

This is also with the pitman arm not being seated as far onto the splines of the sector shaft.

View media item 25883View media item 25882View media item 25881

 

[number9]

It appears that, when loaded (full weight on all 4 wheels), the relay rod is parallel with the crossmember. Due to parallax (camera angle between the cross member and relay rod), it appears to be at a slight angle in one picture. I was going to put a level on it, but I just didn't have time.

This is also with the pitman arm not being seated as far onto the splines of the sector shaft.

View media item 25883View media item 25882View media item 25881

Can't see the pics Larry, I get

"You do not have permission to view media within this album."

 

[Larryjb]

I'm sorry, but that's the only way I know how to post pictures on here. I don't post pictures on other sites to make a URL. However, my relay rod is nearly horizontal.
Larry

 

[retiredsparky]

There is a possibility of more than one problem. One thing to check if you haven't is have someone in the truck rotate the steering wheel while you lay under the truck watching for looseness in the linkages, like a bad idler arm (even though it is new). Factories do not always ship good parts.

Jack up the truck on each side and check the wheel bearings and ball joints for looseness by grabbing the tire (engine off) and wiggling top and bottom and then side to side.

Pull out the cotter keys, and check torque on the ball joint nuts and check torque on the idler and pittman. Are you sure that the pitman arm slid onto the steering box shaft correctly? You could use your puller, remove the pitman arm and lube lightly, then re-install the arm, making sure it slips into the knurled teeth correctly.

How old are your shocks? If all else fails, try changing out the front shocks and swapping the rear tires with the front tires. If you have a tire that looks new, but has a broken belt or two, who knows? Tires can cause crazy things!

How about the various bushings?

 

[bsamole]

There is a possibility of more than one problem. One thing to check if you haven't is have someone in the truck rotate the steering wheel while you lay under the truck watching for looseness in the linkages, like a bad idler arm (even though it is new). Factories do not always ship good parts.

Jack up the truck on each side and check the wheel bearings and ball joints for looseness by grabbing the tire (engine off) and wiggling top and bottom and then side to side.

Pull out the cotter keys, and check torque on the ball joint nuts and check torque on the idler and pittman. Are you sure that the pitman arm slid onto the steering box shaft correctly? You could use your puller, remove the pitman arm and lube lightly, then re-install the arm, making sure it slips into the knurled teeth correctly.

How old are your shocks? If all else fails, try changing out the front shocks and swapping the rear tires with the front tires. If you have a tire that looks new, but has a broken belt or two, who knows? Tires can cause crazy things!

How about the various bushings?

There is a possibility of more than one problem. One thing to check if you haven't is have someone in the truck rotate the steering wheel while you lay under the truck watching for looseness in the linkages, like a bad idler arm (even though it is new). Factories do not always ship good parts.

Jack up the truck on each side and check the wheel bearings and ball joints for looseness by grabbing the tire (engine off) and wiggling top and bottom and then side to side.

Pull out the cotter keys, and check torque on the ball joint nuts and check torque on the idler and pittman. Are you sure that the pitman arm slid onto the steering box shaft correctly? You could use your puller, remove the pitman arm and lube lightly, then re-install the arm, making sure it slips into the knurled teeth correctly.

How old are your shocks? If all else fails, try changing out the front shocks and swapping the rear tires with the front tires. If you have a tire that looks new, but has a broken belt or two, who knows? Tires can cause crazy things!

How about the various bushings?