Pitman arm orientation

[rotohead]

Anybody else run into the issue of replacement pitman arm/drag link components not lining up properly? As my sig shows, but to add to that I have a very early 2nd gen 24 valve (been told it was within the first 500 units out of St Louis) and has the T steering components. I've added the PSC three turn steering box and DSS stabilizer, all of which shouldn't change the geometry of the steering linkage. A shop replaced the drag link, tie rod bar, pitman arm and if attached out of the box with wheels straight the pitman arm is not parallel to the frame but offset about 20 degrees to the drivers side. With the way the pitman arm and steering gear are indexed there is no way to center the arm. Hard to see in a photo but two different arms I've ordered have the keys offset where there is no way to orient it parallel to the frame. Also the drag link is too long and adjustment runs out and can't be shortened to make the arm point forward without cutting at least 2" off both ends of the drag link. Just curious if anyone else has dealt with this issue. With the pitman arm off center it makes the steering going straight down the road more sensitive turning one way and less sensitve turning the opposite way. Could be a reason why so many hate the way early 2nd gen trucks handle. If I can I will try to upload some pics.

 

[GAmes]

Is it possible the steering wheel was rotated one turn when the steering gear was removed?

 

[rotohead]

You can eliminate the steering wheel completely by disconnecting the shaft and just try to keep the wheels pointing straight, steering box orientation (limited to only one setting) and pitman arm attached and it is pointing at least 20 degrees to the drivers side. It all has to do with the four, 90 degree index 'keys' on the shaft out of the steering box. You can't change that. I have three different steering boxes available to me and all of them are the same way.

 

[rotohead]

I can't seem to load pics anymore. The pitman arm photo would show a lot. The keys aren't lined up with the centerline of the arm. Two different arms I've purchased from Rock Auto and Performance parts. I'll try another way to post pics. It has nothing to do with the steering wheel orientation as far as I can tell. All the alignment takes place before the steering shaft and wheel. It all happens between the steering box and how the tie rod bar attaches to the knuckles.I think it also has something to do with around that time of production they switched to the Y design steering. Im no engineer but it seems to me the only way the design will work properly is if the pitman arm is parrallel to the frame when the wheels are pointed straight with the frame. If the pitman arm is offset 20-25 degrees to the drivers side the truck will not steer evenly. Am I right?

 

[Bob4x4]

Assuming you centered the steering gear and the gear is the same as the one you removed.Or is the gear not the same as what came on the truck and that is the reason for changing the pitman arm

 

[rotohead]

Here's what I'm trying to explain. I've purchased two new pitman arms to replace a older one. All of them seem to have this offset orientation that won't let the arm align parrallel to the frame. The steering box when centered turn to turn is square to the frame and has only one possible position. When you attempt to attach the arm you can see the alignment is 20 degrees or so off to one side.

 

[GrantP]

When I did the Y to T conversion on my 97 I had to cut the drag link to make it work. Maybe an inch or so off the threaded end.

 

[rotohead]

When I did the Y to T conversion on my 97 I had to cut the drag link to make it work. Maybe an inch or so off the threaded end.

Yes, but this is a problem that occurs with the steering shaft from the wheel disconnected and the drag link disconnected too. Only the steering box mounted on the frame and CENTERED and the pitman arm mounted. I'm researching more about other model year arms working. If you order the correct year on rockauto or other mopar sites the arm in the picture I posted is what you get. Doesn't align properly. If I find a solution I'll post my findings. The drag link is a separate issue altogether.

 

[GAmes]

Mine is a 2WD, so the arm might not fit. It has the master splines front & rear. I didn't need to change mine when I replaced steer gear boxes, it is the original.

 

[rotohead]

Finally, after months of searching I've found the answer to this issue. It has to do with the type of steering linkage design. I have had the T style linkage since I bought the truck but when I would order a pitman arm they (RockAuto, Ebay, etc) would always send me a Y style arm that is offset like in my picture above. PSC had the answer and the correct pitman arm. Now, along with their 3-turn HD steering box this truck drives like a dream. And no need for a steering stabilizer brace either. I'm a happy Rammer!

 

[Rc51heaven]

Finally, after months of searching I've found the answer to this issue. It has to do with the type of steering linkage design. I have had the T style linkage since I bought the truck but when I would order a pitman arm they (RockAuto, Ebay, etc) would always send me a Y style arm that is offset like in my picture above. PSC had the answer and the correct pitman arm. Now, along with their 3-turn HD steering box this truck drives like a dream. And no need for a steering stabilizer brace either. I'm a happy Rammer!

Which box. Im trying to decide on the upgradeed with alarger shaft or redhead, psc,....i have t style waiting to put on my 08

 

[rotohead]

I believe the model # was 852K3 on Genos site but is a PSC box. It's a massive box, 1 13/16 pitman nut, weighs 55 lbs and barely fits in the hole for a steering box especially with auto trans cooler lines. I've also found a steering brace from Off Road Dodge but I don't think this thing needs it. I'm very happy with it after towing 1500 miles.

 

[rotohead]

Which box. Im trying to decide on the upgradeed with alarger shaft or redhead, psc,....i have t style waiting to put on my 08

Only downside to the PSC 852 is no core return. You could try to sell the old OEM box but I've found that hard to do. Nobody wants those things.

 

[Rc51heaven]

Only downside to the PSC 852 is no core return. You could try to sell the old OEM box but I've found that hard to do. Nobody wants those things.

I have a 3rd gen, i dont believe the 852 would work...

 

[rotohead]

I have a 3rd gen, i dont believe the 852 would work...

This might work. Looks very similar to the 852 for 2nd gen.
http://www.pscmotorsports.com/psc-m...-ram-2500-3500-big-bore-steering-gearbox.html

 

[Ozymandias]

For Gen.3 go with the OEM 2008.5 Steering Upgrade.
Great Box, though built.

 

[Rc51heaven]

This might work. Looks very similar to the 852 for 2nd gen.
http://www.pscmotorsports.com/psc-m...-ram-2500-3500-big-bore-steering-gearbox.html

It has the same old small sector shaft....also theres not a brace for it..

 

[Rc51heaven]

For Gen.3 go with the OEM 2008.5 Steering Upgrade.
Great Box, though built.

So the upgraded box is a tight box worth the money compared to the smaller shaft boxes like redhead and the made to fit borgeson and psc....

 

[rotohead]

So the upgraded box is a tight box worth the money compared to the smaller shaft boxes like redhead and the made to fit borgeson and psc....

I've purchased a redhead 4 turn box and used it for a couple years and it was OK. Still it's the smaller box and even with a stabilizer bar mounted I didn't think it was that much difference from a OEM. Started leaking and started to look for something that would last. I get tired of removing/replacing these things. This seems stout enough to handle the weight of the Cummins. And the 3rd gen PSC box is cheaper probably because they don't include replacement pitman arm or shims for mounting. Plus I like the 3 turn ratio vs the 4 turn OEM. Tighter steering.

 

[Rc51heaven]

I've purchased a redhead 4 turn box and used it for a couple years and it was OK. Still it's the smaller box and even with a stabilizer bar mounted I didn't think it was that much difference from a OEM. Started leaking and started to look for something that would last. I get tired of removing/replacing these things. This seems stout enough to handle the weight of the Cummins. And the 3rd gen PSC box is cheaper probably because they don't include replacement pitman arm or shims for mounting. Plus I like the 3 turn ratio vs the 4 turn OEM. Tighter steering.