New Pitman arm not seating fully

[Mikes72]

Hi y’all. I’m replacing the pitman arm on the 72 Challenger due to the ball joint seal being trashed. However, I’m not able to get the new one seated as fully on the power steering box splines as the old one. Any tips? Thanks!!

 

[413]

Tighten the nut to spec in the book and run it.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I assume you have the master splines lined up.

 

[Mikes72]

I assume you have the master splines lined up.

Yes, I do. It’s on the splines about half way up using all my strength with a two foot bar. Anyone know offhand what the torque specs are for the nut?

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I don't but it should be easy to find online , I believe it is 175-200 lbs

 

[Mikes72]

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Looked it up for you , seems I was right , 175 Ft Lbs

 

[Mikes72]

I also see online it’s 175 for manual steering but only 120 for power steering. Does that seem right?

 

[fasjac]

Looked it up for you , seems I was right , 175 Ft Lbs

It is. Really have to lean on that one.

 

[Mikes72]

I dug out my shop manual and found the torque specs for the steering arm is 175 for both manual and power steering. Thanks, Chryco, you are correct.

 

[oldkimmer]

Many aftermarket ones don’t fit the shaft like the factory ones did. When I worked in shops maybe 1/4 of them went back to where the old one was. This is on any make or model. Kim