Big gap between pitman arm and new gearbox...?

[aweiss2k]

I just installed a new steering gearbox in my '97 Ranger, and despite all my efforts I can't get the pitman arm even close to flush with the gearbox. I tightened the nut with a 6ft cheater pipe, and it pushed the pitman arm within about 1/2" inch of the gearbox, but before I got the pitman arm off the old box, the gap was only about 1/8" or less.

It seems like it's on really tight and it drives just fine. Should I be concerned? If so, how on earth can I get the pitman arm closer to the gearbox?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

No need to be concerned, it is a tapered fit. It will only go on so far.

 

[doorgunner]

TWO cents here.........maybe one of the pitman arms had splines (teeth) all the way around it---and the other arm didn't (it had a flat spot about 1/4 inch wide).......that would stop it from going all the way .......

 

[aweiss2k]

Thanks guys.

It's the same pitman arm as before...maybe the taper is slightly different on the old gearbox? Maybe they use a 50 ton press at the factor?
Regardless, it seems ot be on there extremely tight (no up/down movement at all). I'll keep an eye on it for a while.

It's my first time doing this job, and honestly it was kind of a pain in the ass doing it solo (and without air tools), but I could probably do it again in half the time. The only really hard part was getting the pitman arm off the old gearbox. After over an hour with my torch, 10lbs sledge and a broken puller, I gave up and took it to my local mechanic...who had it off in 5 minutes.

Thx,
Aaron

 

[4.0B2]

yeah, mine's not all the way on anymore.. no biggie. its still holding!

 

[The_Dealer]

working on all the jeep we've change out pitman arms on, they never seem to go on as far as stock. prolly pressed together pretty good from the factory. when u put em on u dont press em, just tighten the bolt, so thats prolly why. we've run some pretty hardcore trails and never had a prob(guardrail, slickrock, schoolbus, etc.) as long as u are sure the splines were lined up right and the arm wasnt damaged everything will be all good.

i mean hell the worst that can happen is the splines will strip and u will turn the wheel and nothing happens

seriously dont worry its fine