'03, 4x4, 5.4L

My pitman arm is stuck on the gearbox. I rented a puller from a store, and it fits just fine, but I can't apply enough torque to it because I have the gearbox unmounted in order to have clearance for the puller.

I hesitate to use heat or a hammer because I'm afraid of damaging this expensive gearbox.

Is the only choice to remove the gearbox and replace the line seals?

 

Have you tried an impact? Lube the threads and the pilot point on the puller (dripping with oil) and give it a go with an impact gun.

 

I took it to a local shop that would let me borrow a lift and tools.

There's 2 styles of pullers that kinda fit. The smaller one has a nub on the end that blocks the use of a socket, and the jaws of the larger one were slightly too large to fit in between the pitman arm and gearbox when the arm is seated.






The shop owner saw me struggle for a few minutes before walking over and beating on the arm with 2 hammers for 10 minutes... and then the arm crept off it's splines. The gearbox never left the truck, but replacing a pitman arm in this way was impossible without a lift.

 

BFH wins again!

Glad you got it.