Hi Guys,
My right hand drive Blazer is being awkward! The pitman arm is totally different to the left hand drive model.
I have searched high and low for a replacement, I bought a used one which is only marginally better.
Is it possible to get the bushings replaced? A guy said to me that years ago they used a hydraulic press to remove and replace such items, I was wondering if that was possible for a pitman arm?
Merry Christmas to you all and I hope you all have a great New Year too
Andy

R/H drive Chevrolet Blazer 1999 4.3 petrol/gas V6 LT.
VIN: 1GNDT13W7XK102657

 

Bunce motor company in New Zealand stock pitman arms for the right hand drive Blazer. You have to send them your old one & they exchange it for a rebuilt one. Contact them here.
www.bunce.co.nz

 

Thanks for that, I have an alternative heavily worn one in at a local engineers along with a new L/H drive one I bought, they are going to swap the bushing over and see what happens! If it doesn't work I will send it to NZ.
Thanks again

 

Please let us know how you get on as pitman arm replacement is a problem a lot of RHD Blazer owners have had to face (or will likely have to face at some time). The engineering shop you are using might have found a useful little sideline there if the job is successful as I don't know of anyone else who supplies RHD Blazer pitman arms in the UK - they have long since been discontinued by GM.

I have been fortunate so far & keep mine religiously greased to try to make it last as long as possible. God know why they have to be different to the LHD ones, the idler arms are the same so why can't the pitman arms be?
I have heard that the LHD ones can be installed but it hits the frame on full right lock so it just means there is slighly less lock on one side. Have never tried it though to see exactly what happens so wouldn't recommend it.

 

A quick update, http://www.billcarengineering.co.uk/ are now beefing up my worn pitman arm, they have decided to cast a bronze bushing as they have done similar for other vehicles.
I will let you know what it is like when I get it back later this week or early next

 

Please let us know how it comes out as I have 3 RHD Blazers and I know this problem is going to bite me sooner or later.

 

Did you take a picture of both for comparison?

 

I fitted my reconditioned pitman arm and it flew through the MOT, I have noticed that the steering is marginally stiffer but that is nothing as far as I am concerned.
I now have another RHD pitman arm in the engineers getting a new bronze bushing and I will sell it so if anyone is interested please get in touch as I will post worldwide.
By the way, the engineering isn't cheap!