pitman arm

[woodiewagon46]

When they first started to replace worn spindle and pitman arm balls, the procedure was to chop off the ball and plug weld a new ball on. The new process is to chuck up the arm in a milling machine and leave about a 5/8" round stub of original metal. Then they press a hollow ball onto the stub and TIG weld the end closed and finish it off. The second way is much stronger. I had all of the balls on my front end done that way.

[Tom Endy]

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

When they first started to replace worn spindle and pitman arm balls, the procedure was to chop off the ball and plug weld a new ball on. The new process is to chuck up the arm in a milling machine and leave about a 5/8" round stub of original metal. Then they press a hollow ball onto the stub and TIG weld the end closed and finish it off. The second way is much stronger. I had all of the balls on my front end done that way.

This is the process A&L uses. I believe this to be the safe way to go. This is what is on the front of my car. I question if the ones that are called new are the same as the originals. The originals were forged and were very strong. Could be if they are made off-shore they are only cast.

Tom Endy