Pitman Arm

Remove and replace the pitman arm that connects the steering gearbox output shaft to the center link in the steering linkage system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm nut × 1 — Castle nut or lock nut per OEM
• Cotter pin × 1 — If castle nut equipped

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Center the steering wheel and note its position for reference
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at frame rail
5. Support vehicle on jack stands positioned under frame rails behind front suspension
6. Remove front wheels (both sides recommended for access)
7. Spray pitman arm mounting nut and taper joint with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering alignment reference
   Before removing any components, note that the sector shaft has a master (blind) spline that indexes the pitman arm in only one position; optionally mark the arm-to-shaft relationship with a paint marker as a visual confirmation for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect center link from pitman arm
   Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut at the center link ball stud connection to the pitman arm. Remove the castle nut completely. The nut typically requires a 7/8" or 15/16" socket. Keep the nut for reference if reusing hardware.
3. 3

   Separate center link taper joint
   Install a pitman arm puller (pickle fork style or screw-type puller) between the center link and pitman arm to separate the tapered ball stud connection. Tighten the puller gradually while striking the pitman arm boss with a hammer to shock the joint loose. The center link will drop free when the taper releases.
4. 4

   Remove pitman arm retaining nut
   Using a 1-1/4" or larger socket (size varies by year and shaft specification), remove the large nut securing the pitman arm to the steering sector shaft. This nut is torqued to approximately 180-200 ft-lb and will require substantial force. Use a breaker bar for initial breakaway.
5. 5

   Position pitman arm puller on sector shaft
   Install the pitman arm puller tool onto the pitman arm, positioning the jaws behind the arm and the center screw against the end of the sector shaft. Ensure the puller is centered and seated properly to avoid damage to the shaft or arm during extraction.
6. 6

   Extract pitman arm from sector shaft
   Tighten the puller screw gradually while striking the pitman arm with a hammer to shock the taper loose. The pitman arm is secured by a tight splined fit and may require significant force. Continue tightening and shocking until the arm pops free from the shaft. Do not attempt to pry or force the arm off without the puller, as this will damage the sector shaft splines.
7. 7

   Clean sector shaft taper
   With the pitman arm removed, wire brush the sector shaft splines clean of any rust, corrosion, or debris. Inspect the splines for damage, rounding, or excessive wear. The splines must be clean and undamaged for proper fitment of the new pitman arm.
8. 8

   Install new pitman arm
   Align the new pitman arm with the reference marks made earlier on the sector shaft. Slide the arm onto the splined sector shaft, ensuring the master (blind) spline aligns so the arm indexes correctly in only one position. The arm should slide on partially by hand. Do not apply grease to the taper surfaces.
9. 9

   Torque pitman arm retaining nut
   Install the new or cleaned pitman arm retaining nut and tighten to the factory-specified torque using a torque wrench (verify exact value in the 1972 F-100 shop manual). The nut will draw the arm fully onto the splined shaft as it is tightened. Verify the alignment marks remain matched after final torque is achieved. Verified detail (The torque specification of 180 ft-lb appears low for a 1972 Ford F-100 pitman arm nut. Factory specifications for this era F-100 typically call for 170-230 ft-lb depending on manual vs power steering, with power steering commonly requiring 200-220 ft-lb.): Install the new or cleaned pitman arm retaining nut and tighten to 200-220 ft-lb using a torque wrench (power steering) or 170-180 ft-lb (manual steering).
10. 10

    Connect center link to pitman arm
    Lift the center link ball stud into the pitman arm socket. Install the castle nut and tighten to approximately 70-90 ft-lb. Continue tightening until the cotter pin hole aligns with a castle nut slot. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
11. 11

    Lubricate steering linkage
    Using a grease gun with chassis grease, lubricate the pitman arm grease fitting (if equipped) and all accessible steering linkage grease fittings until clean grease purges from the joint seals.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
3. Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify proper operation
4. Check that steering wheel is still centered with wheels pointing straight ahead

Verification

• Turn steering wheel fully in both directions and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual resistance
• Check that steering wheel returns to center position when released after turning
• Visually inspect pitman arm mounting nut and center link connection to verify proper torque and cotter pin installation
• Road test vehicle at low speed and verify steering response and alignment
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted by a professional to ensure proper toe and steering geometry

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