Remove and replace the pitman arm that connects the steering gear box to the center link, requiring proper puller tools and critical torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Mopar 68067991AB or equivalent
• Castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels straight ahead)
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at factory lift points
5. Support vehicle with jack stands rated for at least 9,000 lbs
6. Remove front skid plate if equipped to access steering components

Procedure

1. 1

   Access pitman arm area
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the pitman arm attached to the steering gear box on the driver side frame rail. Clean the pitman arm shaft and nut area with wire brush and apply penetrating oil to the castle nut threads. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if components show corrosion.
2. 2

   Mark alignment position
   Using a paint marker or scribe, mark the exact rotational position of the pitman arm on the steering gear sector shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation alignment. The pitman arm has a master spline but marking helps verify correct orientation.
3. 3

   Disconnect center link
   Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut connecting the pitman arm ball stud to the center link. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the castle nut. If the ball stud spins, use a second wrench on the stud flats to hold it steady.
   ℹ️Save the cotter pin location for reference during reassembly.
4. 4

   Separate center link from pitman arm
   Install a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the pitman arm and center link. Tap firmly with a dead blow hammer to break the taper joint free. Alternatively, use a tie rod separator tool. Once separated, support the center link to prevent it from hanging and stressing other steering components.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will damage the boot. Only use if replacing the pitman arm regardless.
5. 5

   Remove pitman arm retaining nut
   Locate the large pitman arm nut securing the arm to the steering gear sector shaft. Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 1-3/8 inch or 35mm), remove the pitman arm retaining nut completely. This nut requires significant force to loosen.
   ⚠The nut is torqued to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) and may require substantial force to break free.
6. 6

   Install pitman arm puller
   Thread a pitman arm puller onto the arm according to the tool manufacturer's instructions. The puller jaws should grip behind the pitman arm while the forcing screw presses against the steering gear sector shaft. Ensure the puller is centered and seated properly.
   ⚠️Never attempt to remove the pitman arm by hammering or prying. This will damage the steering gear and/or shaft.
7. 7

   Extract pitman arm
   Tighten the puller forcing screw gradually and firmly. The pitman arm will resist initially, then break free suddenly from the taper. Once free, remove the puller and slide the pitman arm off the sector shaft. Inspect the sector shaft splines for damage or wear.
8. 8

   Prepare new pitman arm
   Clean the steering gear sector shaft splines thoroughly with a wire brush. Inspect for any damage. Apply a thin coat of clean power steering fluid to the sector shaft taper and splines. Do not use grease or anti-seize on the taper surface as this affects the press fit.
9. 9

   Install new pitman arm
   Align the new pitman arm with the reference marks made during disassembly. The master spline will only allow installation in one position, but verify orientation matches the marks. Slide the pitman arm onto the sector shaft ensuring it seats fully against the shaft shoulder.
10. 10

    Torque pitman arm nut
    Install the pitman arm retaining nut and tighten by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to the specified torque of 185 Nm (136 lb-ft). This is a critical fastener requiring precise torque.
    ⚠️Under-torquing can allow the pitman arm to work loose, resulting in complete loss of steering control.
    Torque spec

    Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect center link
    Raise the center link to align with the pitman arm ball stud. Insert the stud through the center link taper hole. Install the castle nut and tighten to 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud cotter pin hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
    ℹ️If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole at proper torque, tighten slightly more (up to 1/6 turn) to align. Never loosen to align.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Nut73 Nm (54 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify installation
    Check that all fasteners are properly torqued and the cotter pin is installed. Verify the pitman arm has no lateral play on the sector shaft and the ball stud connection is tight. Reinstall any skid plates removed during access.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate using appropriate mounting hardware
2. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
3. Start engine and turn steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises
4. Check that steering returns to center properly

Verification

• With engine running, turn steering wheel through full range of motion and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or abnormal noise
• Check for any fluid leaks around the steering gear sector shaft seal
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, verifying steering responds properly and returns to center
• Have a front-end alignment performed immediately, as pitman arm replacement affects toe settings and steering geometry
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the pitman arm nut torque to ensure it has not loosened

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