A pickle fork!

 

You can leave the Pitman arm on the box when you pull it out, but you'll need a pickle fork to separate it from the center link. You'll most likely need a Pitman arm puller to get the arm off the box once you get it out, though it might be cheaper to buy a new Pitman arm than a puller if you don't already have one. And then you don't have to worry that it might be worn out or that it got damaged from the pickle fork.

 

Pittman Arm pullers can be borrowed from many of the auto parts stores. You basically buy it but return it when you're done and they credit your card. Of course you can keep the tool if you want too. They have a lot of other loaner tools too that are too pricey to buy for that one time use. Ball joint tools, etc.

 

Yea a pickle fork! I hope I can fit it in there the stuff is kind of far back. Also it seems theirs a brake line in the way so I'll have to be careful with that. What tool is needed to install the new pitman arm because I plan to just get a new one as mine is pretty worn out and I need a lot of front end work so might as well start here.

 

The new one just slips on, then you torque it to something like 160 lbs.-ft.

 

Danng where would be the best place to torque it that high

 

Look up the torque spec to be sure. I just pulled that number out of my butt. You can probably borrow a torque wrench from your local auto parts store, too.

 

Good luck getting the pitman arm off. When I installed the 9 to 1 box in my truck I had the same issue. After an attempt to remove the arm with a good snap-on puller and a **** load of torque applied, it never moved.

There are probably easier ways to remove it, but pitman arms are cheap and I found it easier just to put a new one on.

Btw, since you’ve decided to replace the box, if I were you I’d definitely upgrade to at least a zq8 box

 

One trick to getting Pittman Arms and tie rod ends to let loose is to get some pressure on them with the tool then rap them with a hammer and the shock will often pop it loose.

 

I used this technic to get the bolt out of my original leaf spring bushings lol, that's and wd40 worked like a charm