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05-01-2015, 03:34 PM | #1 |
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Location: Michigan
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Short Pitman steering arm
I'm rebuilding the front end of my '29 2 door sedan. I ordered the parts 3 weeks ago and started on it yesterday and had a few things like the steering arms rebuilt (Single & double) front spindle arms rebuilt and a brake job, but when I looked for the Pitman arm it was the short version. I thought I ordered the stock one but not so, the bill has the short one listed , so my fault. ....
Is it OK to use the short Pitman arm or should I send it back for original style. thanks |
05-01-2015, 03:37 PM | #2 |
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Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto.
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
A lot of mixed views on this. I changed one of my A's to the short and after trying it I changed the others. I find steering much easier. Wayne
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05-01-2015, 03:45 PM | #3 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
Keep it, much easier steering, I put it on both of mine.
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05-01-2015, 03:46 PM | #4 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
I have it on my 1929
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05-01-2015, 03:54 PM | #5 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
Easy steering, I ordered 3 more.
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05-01-2015, 03:55 PM | #6 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
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05-01-2015, 03:58 PM | #7 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
Any alterations needed when converting?
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05-01-2015, 04:11 PM | #8 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
If you don't like it you can always go back to stock. It's an easy change. But I think you probably will find steering a little easier with the shortened arm. Some have complained that the steering radius is larger, but if it's true, I haven't found that it's noticeable.
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05-01-2015, 04:22 PM | #9 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
For those of you that use the short arm, how many turns "lock to lock" is it?
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05-01-2015, 04:36 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Little Falls NY
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
I believe the shortend arm also puts less stress on the steering gear. The input shock from the front wheels hitting a pothole or stirking a curb is reduced. Less mechanical advantage.
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05-01-2015, 05:09 PM | #11 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
What "rob63mess" said.....
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05-01-2015, 05:34 PM | #12 |
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Location: Marengo. Illinois
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
A short/altered pitman arm is only as good as the person's welding ability that made the changes. Remember, there is nothing like the original parts. Original parts are engineered for the car and have worked well for over eighty plus years. Personally, I would not take the chance of having an altered pitman arm on any of my cars. I drive a Model A, and the uniqueness of the steering goes with the territory.
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05-01-2015, 05:56 PM | #13 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
The short pitman arms from the vendors are NOT welded cut up originals. They are made from a New Forging Die.
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"If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask |
05-01-2015, 05:59 PM | #14 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
I have a pitman arm that was reconfigured and shortened without cutting/welding. Looks funny, but works just fine. I wouldn't buy a short pitman arm at a swap meet, but I would have no issues with one purchased from Bert's, Snyders, etc.
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05-01-2015, 06:04 PM | #15 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
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05-01-2015, 06:12 PM | #16 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
I think some AA trucks came from the factory with a short arm. Several years ago I found an arm that looked just like an original but about 1.5" shorter. I asked around and someone said it was from an AA. I've been using it ever since - works fine.
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05-01-2015, 06:28 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
Quote:
book or Service Letters about it. Bob |
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05-01-2015, 06:35 PM | #18 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
Use it, you won't regret it.
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05-01-2015, 06:51 PM | #19 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
SAFETY FIRST.
Will it break, leaving you with no steering? no? then it is your choice...your car...your preference. i put one on and liked it....kinda....it compensated for a problem in the front end. (New thrust washer thickness) Fixed the real problem and put the original back on.. like it better. Be safe first. Do whatever pleases you second. |
05-01-2015, 07:22 PM | #20 |
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Re: Short Pitman steering arm
I have one on one of my Model As. It steers ok but I now have a wider turning radius.
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