Im gearing up to do the Entire front end of my truck. Idler, Pitman, stabalizer, links, control arms, shocks. I have already purchased Bilstien Shocks and Moog upper and lower control arms. Also the 1 ton upgrade bracket for the ideler arm. As for the pirtman what do you suggest I pair with the moog k6447 idler? ACdelco, Moog or GM oem. Best in class parts.

 

In June 2022, 20k miles ago, I installed a Proforged pitman arm, 103-10007. It seems to be doing fine. If you consider the Proforged, be sure that the nut to attach it to the centerlink is a castellated nut and not a nylok nut. I did my 1-ton idler arm upgrade a year or so ago and found that the Proforged idler arm had a nylok nut. I returned it and got a Moog.

 

I used a Moog K6255. Be sure to remember to install the foam washer before inserting the pitman arm into the link.

For me, the pitman arm was very difficult to remove even though it had been recently installed. I wound up cutting through the arm with a cutting wheel so that it could then be pulled off the steering gear.

 

Thanks for the feedback, It looks like im going to get the moog as I cannot find the Proforge in stock. Thanks for heads up on the washer. I plan in using a puller tool to remove it. I hear the pickle forks could potentially damage the steering box.

 

It's interesting you should mention damage to the steering box. I feel the shop damaged the seal in the steering gear when they removed the pitman arm. A severe power steering leak developed after the pitman arm was replaced. That was the first and last time I had the shop do work on this vehicle.

Neither pickle forks nor pullers worked for me, that's why I had to cut the pitman arm.

 

I like Moog.

George

 

I had to try a couple different puller tools get all the bits apart. I used a puller kit from HF.

 

There is an art to using pickle forks to avoid incidental damage. One common approach is to start loading the joint with the fork but not beating the joint into submission soley with the fork. Once loaded you smack apposing sides of the joint together and many times it pops open (keep the nut on the end). Heat can also help. That said I prefer ball joint tools that use screws and leverage like OTC. You can still use the dual hammer smack technique once loded but you using a socket or open ended wrench to crank the screw and load the joint not smacking the crap out of a fork sideways. lastly, just smacking a joint with two apposing hammers alone sometimes pops the joint open.

George

 

Thanks for the great tips yall, This project will have to wait a bit longer im afraid. I realized I have to have a aligment done after the install. But I also need new tires, so Im going to wait untill I can afford to buy them, hopefully near the fall time as winter aproaches. Will keep you posted as parts arrive.