pitman arm replacement issue - 97 K1500?

[Rick Dorion]

Due to the lack of clearance between the pitman arm/steering shaft nut and engine cradle crossmember, it's impossible to put a puller on it . So much for Chilton's 'remove pitman, installation is the reverse' guideance!

 

It seems the steering box has to be removed or moved/rotated. Can I remove all but one bolt, loosen the last one and have enough play in the hoses and steering shaft to rotate the box enough to get my puller on the arm and remove it? Or do I have to remove the box?

[90GMCZ71]

Due to the lack of clearance between the pitman arm/steering shaft nut and engine cradle crossmember, it's impossible to put a puller on it . So much for Chilton's 'remove pitman, installation is the reverse' guideance!

 

It seems the steering box has to be removed or moved/rotated. Can I remove all but one bolt, loosen the last one and have enough play in the hoses and steering shaft to rotate the box enough to get my puller on  the arm and remove it? Or do I have to remove the box?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

When I replaced the pitman arm on my 90 GMC Sierra K1500, I rotated the steering gear box to get the puller on. It has been a while, but I think that I had to remove all of the bolts to rotate it. I was able to leave the hoses on while rotating it.

 

//90GMCZ71

[Rick Dorion]

Thanks. Do you recall if you had to disconnect the intermediate steering shaft to get enough travel?

[90GMCZ71]

Thanks. Do you recall if you had to disconnect the intermediate steering shaft to get enough travel?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I am pretty sure that I disconnected it at the gear box. Of course, I marked it first.

 

//90GMCZ71