shortened pitman arm

[Ron Lachniet]

To say that a pitman arm can't be safely welded is not true. In the January 2011 issue of the Model A News there is an article about shortening a pitman arm with one inch lap weld with a deep V that is a very strong weld that any competent welder would feel very comfortable with. Original pitman arms are made with steel that welds very well.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Ron Lachniet

To say that a pitman arm can't be safely welded is not true. In the January 2011 issue of the Model A News there is an article about shortening a pitman arm with one inch lap weld with a deep V that is a very strong weld that any competent welder would feel very comfortable with. Original pitman arms are made with steel that welds very well.

Key word: "competent"

[bdave_mcc]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Key word: "competent"

Yes, there is a difference, I am a certified in structural welding and would feel comfortable using one that was welded. However, for the time involved in cutting, welding, blending, and most likely having to replace the ball...vs. the 40 bucks to get one and bolt it on seemed like money well spent. As far as the turning radius goes, the only thing I can figure out is maybe different steering boxes yield different results. I am running an f100 box.