Pitman Arm

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the pitman arm on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, which connects the steering gearbox to the drag link.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm nut × 1 — Reuse if in good condition or replace with OEM
• Drag link castle nut and cotter pin × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock steering wheel with key removed
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove front skid plate if equipped to access steering components
6. Spray pitman arm shaft and drag link connection with penetrating oil, allow to soak 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark pitman arm orientation
   Using a paint marker or center punch, mark the relationship between the pitman arm and the steering gear sector shaft. Make alignment marks on both the arm and shaft that can be matched during reinstallation. This is critical for maintaining proper steering geometry.
2. 2

   Disconnect drag link from pitman arm
   Remove the cotter pin from the drag link castle nut at the pitman arm ball stud. Using a socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the castle nut. Keep track of any washers. Note the drag link end position for reassembly.
3. 3

   Separate drag link from pitman arm
   Use a pitman arm puller or ball joint separator to break the taper between the drag link ball stud and the pitman arm. If using a pickle fork, position it between the pitman arm and drag link end, then drive it in with a hammer until the connection separates. Support the drag link to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Do not strike the drag link end threads directly with a hammer as this will damage the threads.
4. 4

   Remove pitman arm retaining nut
   Locate the large retaining nut securing the pitman arm to the steering gear sector shaft. Using a 1-1/8" or appropriate size socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the pitman arm retaining nut. This nut is torqued to a high value (verify exact figure in the factory service manual) and will require significant force to loosen. Note any washer under the nut.
5. 5

   Remove pitman arm from sector shaft
   Install a proper pitman arm puller onto the pitman arm, ensuring the puller is centered and seated properly. Tighten the puller forcing screw while supporting the pitman arm. The arm will release suddenly from the splined sector shaft when it breaks free. Clean the sector shaft splines with a wire brush once the arm is removed.
   ⚠️The pitman arm will release suddenly under spring tension. Keep hands clear of the separation point and support the arm to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Inspect components
   Inspect the steering gear sector shaft for damage, wear, or corrosion. Check the drag link ball stud and boot for wear. Examine the removed pitman arm for cracks, elongated holes, or ball stud wear. Replace any damaged components. Clean the sector shaft splines and taper thoroughly with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Install new pitman arm
   Align the new pitman arm with the marks made on the steering gear sector shaft during disassembly. The master spline on the sector shaft should match the corresponding spline in the pitman arm. Slide the pitman arm onto the sector shaft, ensuring it seats fully onto the taper. Install the retaining washer (if equipped) and thread on the retaining nut.
8. 8

   Torque pitman arm retaining nut
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to manufacturer specification. Verify the pitman arm is fully seated on the sector shaft and aligned with the marks made during removal. Note: Without specific torque data in database, consult factory service manual for exact specification before final tightening.
9. 9

   Reconnect drag link to pitman arm
   Position the drag link ball stud into the pitman arm socket. Install the castle nut and tighten to the factory-specified torque (consult service manual for exact figure). Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure. If slots don't align, tighten (never loosen) the nut to the next slot alignment.
10. 10

    Final inspection and test
    Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed. Check that the steering wheel is still centered. Reinstall skid plate if equipped. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times while stationary to verify smooth operation and no binding.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify drag link cotter pin is properly installed and secured
3. Confirm pitman arm alignment marks match original position
4. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check that steering wheel returns to center position properly
• Verify no play or looseness in steering system by having assistant turn steering wheel while you inspect pitman arm and drag link connections
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering response
• Schedule wheel alignment as steering geometry has been disturbed

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