Steering pitman arm

[grico777]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this great site and need a little help:
I’m in the process of replacing the output shaft seal but can’t get the pitman arm off.
Does it have to come off of the drag link too or just the output shaft? I have an old, off road only 1975 Jeep CJ5 . Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[mylittlecj5]

You will need a pitman arm puller (rent it at your local parts store) and possibly a very large hammer.
Loosen the nut holding the pitman arm on, but leave it threaded onto the output shaft with a few threads. Tighten the puller onto the shaft/arm as tight as possible, then smack the round part of the pitman arm as hard as you can. It should just pop off.
If not then heat the top part of the arm and beat on it with the hammer.
A few well placed words might help if its really stuck.
HTH.

Oh, no it doesn't have to come off the draglink to do what you are doing. That will keep your alignment in place.

 

[grico777]

Thanks Mylittle CJ5 you answered all my questions....I really appreciate it.

Joe

 

[BusaDave9]

I’m in the process of replacing the output shaft seal but can’t get the pitman arm off.
Does it have to come off of the drag link too or just the output shaft?.

If you are only replacing the output shaft from the gearbox then no you don't need to remove the draglink. If you try to skip the step of removing the drag link then you may have an issue with getting the pitman arm back on. you need to make sure the pitman arm and the splines on the output shaft are lined up. If you have the right tools you can remove the draglink from the pitman arm.
A pickle fork is not the right tool. It will damage the linkage boot.

A pickle fork works great if you plan on replacing the steering linkage and boot. Since you plan on re-using those parts you are better off using a tie rod press. Here is what I use:

 

[73CJ]

$15 at Northern Hydraulic or most parts stores will rent/ loan them.