pitman arm

[antiquepa]

Are thhere any dis-advantages of the shortned pitman arm.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Not that I've found in the last 20 years uf using one.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If the pitman arm is 25% shorter, the steering wheel freeplay will be 25% greater, but this shouldn't be a problem with a well rebuilt steering box.

[Mike V. Florida]

I could be hiding worn out parts in the steering system. When I rebuilt my stock steering it felt like power steering compared with what it was before the rebuild and adjustments.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Any more apparent free play would be from sloppy linkage rather than in the box itself

[JoeWay]

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Very good point, Bruce. I had to stop and think for a moment, but you're right.

Any play due to conditions between the steering wheel and the pitman arm will be the same with a short or long arm. Play due to conditions beyond the arm will be perceived as greater with a short arm.

Joe

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yes, thanks for mentioning that as you are correct. If there was any slop beyond the steering box, that would be amplifyed by the same percent that the pitman arm is shortened.

[John LaVoy]

The short pitman arm requires a larger turning radius, this may not be important to everyone but you can't turn as sharp with the short pitman arm.

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

As long as the steering box can take the wheels to full lock, there is no change in the minimum turn radius.

If you mean "for a given amount of steering wheel movement", your answer is correct.

If you mean "the minimum radius that the car will turn at full lock", then your answer is NOT correct.

A shortened pitman arm results in SLOWER slower steering, but needing less effort at the steering wheel, but there is no effect on turning radius.

Regards,

Bill Lee