My pitman arm is hitting my lower control arm

[sduckworth13]

I am in the process of doing a 4/6 drop on my 1967 GMC 3/4 ton. I'm converting to a 5 lug, ps, pb, disc/drum setup. I'm using my 1967 GMC crossmember and using a 1974 Chevy 1/2 ton Truck suspension. I noticed that when I turn the steering to the right as far as it will go that the pitman arm threads are hitting the lower control arm where the bushing goes in at on the control arm. I am using a Moog Brand pitman arm for a 1974 Chevy 1/2 ton truck. I've seen other post where the pitman arm goes halfway up on the steering gear and with my pitman arm it doesn't seem like it will make it that far up on the gear. Here are some pics, does this seem right. The pitman arm is hitting at the very end of the steering travel so it is making the full turn, but I don't understand why my pitman arm isn't going halfway up on the powersteering gearshaft and touching the lower control arm.

[charx2]

It seems like you don't have the correct Pitman arm installed. I have a bagged 67 and have no problems with this. It seems as if you pitman arms hangs down a lot lower than it should to me, others will chime in though. That's what I think. Pretty sure you going to need to get a new pitman arm though, one for the correct year truck. Good luck buddy!

[charx2]

yeah, that's what it is. Going back over your pics, your pitman arm hangs down WAY to low. Doesn't seem to fit properly.

[72MARIO]

looks like the wrong one.

[sduckworth13]

Thanks you guy, I appreciate it. I got my suspension off a 1974 Chevy 1/2 truck for sure. I went to the auto parts store and asked for a similar one and it fit the same way. Not sure what I got hope I can find that old pitman arm in the garage.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

Thanks you guy, I appreciate it. I got my suspension off a 1974 Chevy 1/2 truck for sure. I went to the auto parts store and asked for a similar one and it fit the same way. Not sure what I got hope I can find that old pitman arm in the garage.

If you can't find it, see if the parts store has a new pitman for a 67 application. Should do the job....

[sduckworth13]

Ok, I found the old pitman arm. It fits the same as the new one when I just sit it on there. It appears that I didn't have it as tight as it actually needs to be. Heres is the old pitman arm I took off my 1974 Chevy donor truck power steering gearbox and the new Moog. I've never changed a pitman arm in my life, this new to me. I was envious of all the guys on here that have dropped trucks with 5 lug disc fronts, ps and power brakes. I figured I would try it myself. It's definitely a learning experience. I'm glad I found this site, you guys are a big help with all the help input I get.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

Ok, I found the old pitman arm. It fits the same as the new one when I just sit it on there. It appears that I didn't have it as tight as it actually needs to be. Heres is the old pitman arm I took off my 1974 Chevy donor truck power steering gearbox and the new Moog. I've never changed a pitman arm in my life, this new to me. I was envious of all the guys on here that have dropped trucks with 5 lug disc fronts, ps and power brakes. I figured I would try it myself. It's definitely a learning experience. I'm glad I found this site, you guys are a big help with all the help input I get.

When I've done the disc swap (using a post 73 as the donor), I utilize the correct pitman for the chassis (a pitman arm for a 67-72 chassis).

[tasian]

i don't think the pitman arm is your problem how are you installing it? you need to clean all the spines on the box and arm (new pitman arms tend to have paint on the spines) then get it on there straight garb a big socket and a BFH and go for it

[sduckworth13]

I will take my wire brush to it real good. I'm eating breakfast preparing for my install. I will get my pics posted after I get done today. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.
Thank you,
Scott

[lolife99]

Here's a comparison picture of the spline engagement of another steering box.
Looks like yours needs to go on a little farther.

[sduckworth13]

Keith, Thank you for the picture of the pitman arm. I got the pitman on today and it went up just a bit more, but just enough that I have threads showing below the pitman arm nut. I was hoping to be able to get the lock washer on but it isn't up far enough yet. I did get my wheels on ground today for the first time in a month. I didn't get any pics of the pitman arm after I got the wheels on the ground, I'll post some tomorrow. The pitman arm has plenty of clearance after I put the wheels on the pavement. Thanks everyone that helped me, appreciate it. Heres a before and after pic. I still have a ways to go though.

[sduckworth13]

The front is actually alot lower than in that pic, it was getting dark. It still has a jack under the engine crossmember and jacks in the back.