Can I use a regular gear puller to remove a pitman arm? I know there are special tools for this but would like to avoid the expense if I can.

 

Typically, no. Usually the jaws/hooked portion aren't long or slim enough to get between the pitman arm and the box properly. And they want to spread also, as pressure builds. Yeah, l've seen guys ridge up vicegrips to hold the jaw arms together and in some cases it works. But the old adage really comes into play in this situation...there's a right tool, for the right job. Pitman arm pullers are kind of reasonably priced in most parts stores.

 

Some parts stores allow you to rent or borrow tools.

 

Thanks guys. I was able to rent one at autozone for a few bucks. Thought it would be a lot more than that.

 

Well I am at a loss. The rental is not wide enough. Any one have a better idea?

 

Found a wider one to rent so I will give this a shot tomorrow and see how it goes.

 

Got it taken care of when the bigger unit from Autozone!


Here we go!

Success after 5 minutes

 

So I finally got this thing back together and I noticed the gap between the box and the pitman arm was wider than the one I took off. On closer inspection, the old one looks like it has some sort of gasket or dirt cover on it. Please tell me I don’t need to take this thing back off again?!?


Old unit

New unit

 

Okay, l won't tell you. Maybe some one else will come along and give you the bad news.

 

Figures - I just took the puller back. So I am assuming it is just a dirt cap that is missing otherwise it would be leaking like a sieve?