Installing the shortened Pitman arm

[dlfrisch]

The theory seemed to be - a shortened Pitman Arm will make the steering easier to handle. So, I bought and installed a shortened Pitman Arm along with the teflon end caps and springs for the tie rod ball ends (Smith and Jones - Columbia, SC).
So far - WOW.....a neat advancement in steering. Like some seemed to say about a deficient in turning radius- I haven't noticed any turning radius default at all. The "A" does turn easier at the steering wheel both backing up and turning straight ahead.

[Fred K-OR]

I agree, it is a good addition to an A. I found I do have a larger turning circle but it does drive much better. Easer to turn and also easer to keep it on the road.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Short pitman arms are like VW BUGS, either you LOVE them, or you HATE them. Rarely does anyone add something to their car & ADMIT they made a MISTAKE! (THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!!!)
Bill W.

[Brian T]

Those that hate them believe its a magic fix for poorly maintained steering components, plus a misunderstanding of what changes after installing the short arm.

[Henry1953]

I just installed it and it helped mine. Sometimes I do things and wonder why I bothered. This really did make a difference.

[MikeK]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

OK Bill, I'll admit it. Had a short arm for a month. Steered like a bus. Took 25% more wheel movement to make a turn. Dodging chuck holes was a chore. Off to the swap table!

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by MikeK

OK Bill, I'll admit it. Had a short arm for a month. Steered like a bus. Took 25% more wheel movement to make a turn. Dodging chuck holes was a chore. Off to the swap table!

It will sell quick ! What is the price ? Wayne

[Dave in MN]

I am in the corner with MikeK. I have one on my driver and it is coming off the next time the car is on the lift. With the shortened arm, the car has a larger turning radius that I am not used to.

[Jacksonlll]

I had one on for a while, and while following a caravan of A's that had to make a u turn, they could all make the turn except me. I took it off. Of course it is easier to turn, but that's just physics.

[Pete]

Are you guys telling me Ford made different models of steering gears, assuming all are 2 tooth???
Most likely the problem with the spindles not going to to the stop after installing a short pitman arm is the gear is not centered at straight ahead.
I have only seen one car with that problem and it went to the stop one way but not the other. This was with a short arm.
A short pitman arm is a cheap easy mod for easier steering but it still doesn't give you self return steering like an F100 box does.
Also, with an F100 you can run any length pitman arm to get the steering ratio you are comfortable with.

[Brian T]

Pete
There are 2 types of steering boxes, -- 7 tooth and the 2 tooth, its the 7 tooth where most problems occur, unless I am missing something I cant see how the wheel would have to be turned 25% more lock to lock.

The 7 tooth will VERY likely need a adjustable drag link, I posted the reasons why a few months age with a diagram, (Search for it) if the spindles hit the stops then you are home free, and no turning radius is lost, however the 2 tooth box will probably need to be re-centered.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Brian T

Pete
There are 2 types of steering boxes, -- 7 tooth and the 2 tooth, its the 7 tooth where most problems occur, unless I am missing something I cant see how the wheel would have to be turned 25% more lock to lock.

The 7 tooth will VERY likely need a adjustable drag link, I posted the reasons why a few months age with a diagram, (Search for it) if the spindles hit the stops then you are home free, and no turning radius is lost, however the 2 tooth box will probably need to be re-centered.

READ THE FIRST SENTENCE OF MY POST.
We are talking 2 tooth here.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Pete

...I have only seen one car with that problem and it went to the stop one way but not the other. This was with a short arm...

An adjustable drag link would solve this problem.

[kevinmac/toledo]

thanks for your vesion of shortened arm findings...most times dont get to hear about these mods...been thinking carefully about doing one myself....of course with extra arm ,so i can go back if i dont like it.....kev

[Pete]

Originally Posted by CarlG

An adjustable drag link would solve this problem.

Yup. It did.

[Not George]

Originally Posted by Pete

READ THE FIRST SENTENCE OF MY POST.
We are talking 2 tooth here.

This is the first sentence of YOUR post "Are you guys telling me Ford made different models of steering gears, assuming all are 2 tooth???"

This is the first sentence of Brian T's post " There are 2 types of steering boxes, -- 7 tooth and the 2 tooth,"

Sounds like he was answering YOUR question.
You know what they say about assuming!