G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

I have a 1986 Monte Carlo stocker. It has a manual steering box (Saginaw I believe). While rebuilding the steering box I noticed the pitman arm was modified and welded. This makes me uneasy; and curious why the mod was made. Does anyone know how I can identify the proper pitman arm for this set up? I assume modifying the pitman arm is not a common practice?? Thanks in advance, Patrick.

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

117X,

"Sounds like" the pitman arm has been modified to allow using the manual gear. [an incorrect manual gear]

Doing so is not necessary. There is a certain GM manual gear that has the same output shaft size as the factory power steering gear.

When proper parts are selected you will have the factory power steering pitman arm and the correct matching manual gear. The manual gear you need as original equipment on many 70's GM products.

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

Thank you very much Larry. When you say manual gear I assume you are referring to the entire steering box? I will do some research and see what I can come up with.

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

That's enough to put a cold sweat on a snowman. What was he thinking?Seems to me that those G body cars could use a Chevy S-10 truck manual box,rag joint,and pittman arm. Never done exactly that conversion, but I've done other conversions.Having the right parts are essential. A good body shop might have a Hollander's interchange manual that could help you make a right choice. Steering is no place to skimp.

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

117x,

yes, the complete gear assembly in manual will be a direct bolt on replacement for a PS gear. Just have to select the correct matching parts.

The factory Monte Carlo steering shaft with rag joint will also bolt up to the correctly chosen manual gear.

So, when you are finished, everything about your Monte Carlo steering will be factory 1986 model EXCEPT, you will have substituted a direct bolt on manual replacement gear.

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

117X,

this is why I know about G body steering :)

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

Greg,


It definitely has me sweating. The weld is nice and all but I just can't imagine that's the way to go! Thank you for the input.

Re: G Body Pitman Arm Question
 

Larry,


That's a nice looking car you have there! Thank you for the clarification. I was understanding correctly; just wanted to be sure. Now I search...