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05-19-2015, 09:31 PM | #1 |
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Installing the shortened Pitman arm
The theory seemed to be - a shortened Pitman Arm will make the steering easier to handle. So, I bought and installed a shortened Pitman Arm along with the teflon end caps and springs for the tie rod ball ends (Smith and Jones - Columbia, SC).
So far - WOW.....a neat advancement in steering. Like some seemed to say about a deficient in turning radius- I haven't noticed any turning radius default at all. The "A" does turn easier at the steering wheel both backing up and turning straight ahead. |
05-19-2015, 09:44 PM | #2 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
I agree, it is a good addition to an A. I found I do have a larger turning circle but it does drive much better. Easer to turn and also easer to keep it on the road.
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05-19-2015, 09:58 PM | #3 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
Short pitman arms are like VW BUGS, either you LOVE them, or you HATE them. Rarely does anyone add something to their car & ADMIT they made a MISTAKE! (THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!!!)
Bill W.
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05-20-2015, 12:46 AM | #4 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
Those that hate them believe its a magic fix for poorly maintained steering components, plus a misunderstanding of what changes after installing the short arm.
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05-20-2015, 01:00 AM | #5 |
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Location: Laurel, MS
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
I just installed it and it helped mine. Sometimes I do things and wonder why I bothered. This really did make a difference.
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05-20-2015, 01:35 AM | #6 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
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05-20-2015, 06:05 AM | #7 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
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05-20-2015, 08:22 AM | #8 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
I am in the corner with MikeK. I have one on my driver and it is coming off the next time the car is on the lift. With the shortened arm, the car has a larger turning radius that I am not used to.
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05-20-2015, 12:49 PM | #9 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
I had one on for a while, and while following a caravan of A's that had to make a u turn, they could all make the turn except me. I took it off. Of course it is easier to turn, but that's just physics.
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05-20-2015, 01:20 PM | #10 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
Are you guys telling me Ford made different models of steering gears, assuming all are 2 tooth???
Most likely the problem with the spindles not going to to the stop after installing a short pitman arm is the gear is not centered at straight ahead. I have only seen one car with that problem and it went to the stop one way but not the other. This was with a short arm. A short pitman arm is a cheap easy mod for easier steering but it still doesn't give you self return steering like an F100 box does. Also, with an F100 you can run any length pitman arm to get the steering ratio you are comfortable with. |
05-20-2015, 02:56 PM | #11 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
Pete
There are 2 types of steering boxes, -- 7 tooth and the 2 tooth, its the 7 tooth where most problems occur, unless I am missing something I cant see how the wheel would have to be turned 25% more lock to lock. The 7 tooth will VERY likely need a adjustable drag link, I posted the reasons why a few months age with a diagram, (Search for it) if the spindles hit the stops then you are home free, and no turning radius is lost, however the 2 tooth box will probably need to be re-centered.
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Nothing can be made foolproof, ---- fools are ingenious bastards. Last edited by Brian T; 05-20-2015 at 03:05 PM. Reason: Added text |
05-20-2015, 03:55 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
Quote:
We are talking 2 tooth here. |
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05-20-2015, 04:17 PM | #13 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
An adjustable drag link would solve this problem.
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05-20-2015, 04:39 PM | #14 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
thanks for your vesion of shortened arm findings...most times dont get to hear about these mods...been thinking carefully about doing one myself....of course with extra arm ,so i can go back if i dont like it.....kev
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05-20-2015, 05:07 PM | #15 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
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05-24-2015, 06:16 AM | #16 |
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Re: Installing the shortened Pitman arm
This is the first sentence of YOUR post "Are you guys telling me Ford made different models of steering gears, assuming all are 2 tooth???"
This is the first sentence of Brian T's post " There are 2 types of steering boxes, -- 7 tooth and the 2 tooth," Sounds like he was answering YOUR question. You know what they say about assuming! |
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