Re-thinking shortened pitman arm

[Terry, NJ]

All three of my cars have a short steering arm and I'm happy with them. Why not gamble the $35 and try one. But I have to warn you, I've found there seems to be a lot of things that cause looseness in the steering that you may not associate directly with the steering. Case in point, I had bad spring bushings and spring perches. Replacing the perches and bushings cured the problem, but it wasn't east to diagnosis. Why? Because I wasn't looking for it. Another cause of looseness is the wishbone ball.
Terry

[Kahuna]

I would like someone to explain the reduced turning radius "science" when using a shorter pitman arm?
Anyone?

[Tom Wesenberg]

A change in the turning radius can only happen if the shorter arm does NOT turn the wheels enough to hit the stops.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

I would like someone to explain the reduced turning radius "science" when using a shorter pitman arm?
Anyone?

It isn't shorter, just repositioned. It may appear shorter turning left, but will be longer turning right. If you are really hung up on that, an adjustable drag link will cure that.

[MAG]

X2 on #22.

[glenn in camino]

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Originally Posted by Barber31

I temporarily installed a short pitman arm and felt it took way to much turning radius off so I switched back to the regular arm.

I did the same thing. I didn't like the increased radius with the shortened arm.

[glenn in camino]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

All three of my cars have a short steering arm and I'm happy with them. Why not gamble the $35 and try one. But I have to warn you, I've found there seems to be a lot of things that cause looseness in the steering that you may not associate directly with the steering. Case in point, I had bad spring bushings and spring perches. Replacing the perches and bushings cured the problem, but it wasn't east to diagnosis. Why? Because I wasn't looking for it. Another cause of looseness is the wishbone ball.
Terry

I changed mine back to original. I didn't like the increased turning radius.

[Floats]

Hi Guys,
I am a new vintage car enthusiast and agree with Harley in post #18. I believe the answer lies in the attitude of the car. By attitude, I mean stance and ride height. If you have sagging springs, a low slung attitude, or a list, you can not expect smooth easy steering.
I might be wrong, but you want to get the suspension as close to speck as possible, before going overboard with short pitmans, sway bars and other magic stuff. Pay attention to the stance. The stance and ride height, automatically improves the camber and caster. The detail and the devil analog is what gives you a wonderful light response on the wheel.

[kressej]

I have a shortened Pitman arm in my Victoria and it is great. It doesn't tighten up your steering tho... I haven't noticed a serious change in the turn radius. Tighten up everything to get the slop out and get a shortened Pitman, you will love it!

[Tom Wesenberg]

A shorter pitman arm will lower the steering torque on the gas tank bracket, as well as the two frame mounting bolts. Just stating a fact, not that it might matter to someone.

[quickchange]

Tom , That's why we have had the worlds 1st Right Hand Drive ones produced along with the RHD dash rail support , takes the pressure away from the tank, fits 28-31. Not for everyone but oldies like the lighter steering, which of course must be restored correctly,

[eagle]

I have had the short arm for several years now. It does NOT affect the turning radius on MY car. Others have reported that it does on theirs. Still others have reported that it affects right hand vs left hand turning. I don't know why it is, obviously all model As are NOT the same. For my car; steering is easier, turning radius is unchanged. Period. I'm keeping mine.