I would just like to know what everyone has payed to have there pitman arm replaced on there trucks and who did the work Ford or another shop? Thanks in adavance to all who respond.

Richard D.

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I haven't had mine replaced yet, but im going to be doing it myself. Just waiting for some free time.

But, last year i did get some quotes, they ranged around $225 - $275. Good luck.

 

How do or did you determine that your pitman arm was in need of replacing

 

My truck had the most god awful sqreaching sound when turning the steering wheel left and right even just the littlest movement made it sound off and it was terrible. The steering was also a bit stiff. Offroadmaniac what year and model truck do you have and is it 4x2 or 4x4?Do you realize the entire steering box has to be removed just to get the Pitman arm off at least on my 4x4 it does not sure about the 4x2 but i think it is the same if I remeber right when looking mine up,that's the only reason I did not do it myself as i am disabled and that is a just a bit to heavy for me, I had a freind that owns a grage do the work yesterday and he told me good thing i brough it in becaue I would never have gotten the Pitman arm off the steering link it was so seized on they had to use two pickle forks to finally get it off.

Richard D.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2479

 

I've never heard of one wearing out, just squeeking. Has anyone had slop in their's? When mine started to squeek, I just poked a small hole in the boot and sprayed a little lithium grease inside. It saved me the trouble and expence of changing mine.

 

When they start to make the noise like mine did they need to be replaced the internals of mine were destroyed no amount of grease would have helped and Lithiom grease is not what you should use by the way. You need to understand that the inside of them are rubber and the rubber just gets all destroyed.The joint is put into the sleeve part and then injected with rubber. JUNK!

Richard D.

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It's been that way for over 3 years. It was squeaking from steering stop to steering stop. The grease stopped the noise instantly and completely. I'd say that it was a successful procedure. There still is no noise or slop in the arm.

My left ball joints started squeaking recently. WD-40 stopped those noises, but I'll be replacing those when it gets a little warmer. I'm not willing to gamble with ball joints. Especially with the miles that are on my truck.

 

Just a bit of info to save you some money you should not have to replace the upper balljoints they are not a load bearing joint. And when replacing lower balljoints it is always best to replace both left and right at the same time. I don't know what kind of tires you run or anything like that but with my Pitman arm I have a 4x4 and run big tires so mine needed replacment. The extra stress of the tires and front axle made it a must greasing a bad fitting is not a fix just a temp bandaid,like i said these things are junk and there is no way to really check for Slop with it on the truck.

Richard D.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2479

 

The truck is a '97 4x4. I wasn't positive that the steering box has to be taken off, because I beleive people have told me that it can be done with out taking it off. I've already replaced the idler arm (which made a hell of a difference) and im just waiting for the right time and i need to get the right tool for the pitman.

 

I wish the steering box didn't have to be removed then I would have at least made an attempt at doing it myself. The shop I took it to had to use two pickle forks to finally get it to release, then you have to use a pitman arm puller while the steering box is in a vise and whack it. A squirt of penetrating oil the day before the work is going to be done does help getting the pitman arm off of the steering gear spline. My truck is also a 97 4x4

Richard D.

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There are only like 2 bolts holding the steering box on, so it shouldn't be too bad. I've got a friend that's helping me with it.

 

Well there's more than two three on the frame then you have to disconnect the hoses,steering shaft and you better make sure you lock that steering wheel in place and take th key out of the ignition and make sure no one turns it and unlocks the steering wheel while the box is out. Dont forget the Front skid plate also.

Richard D.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2479

 

I don't believe the steering box has to be completely removed. The skidplate shouldn't either. The box just has to be moved so the puller can get on there. But, to tell you the truth, i dont see where the puller is needed yet. But, i know i do need a bigger fork. Its better than just banging on it with a sledge hammer like I was trying before.

 

Is your truck lifted? Maybe if it is lifted you have more clearance but I am telling you straight up on my 4x4 the steering box has to be removed there is no room to get a pitman arm puller on the front crossmemeber is in the way trust me i tried it. You may risk bending or kinking or even breaking a powersteering line and that is not worth the hassle if you just try and muscle it around.The Ford manual says it needs to be removed and that is what had to be done pure and simple and the skid plate had to be removed to get at the pitman arm where it attaches to the steering link.

Richard D.

 

Yea, i think it makes a difference since it is lifted. There is quite a bit of room between the skidplate and the pitman arm.