Removing Steering box

[69Rcode_Mach1]

I am in the middle of sanding the engine bay so i have removed my steering box. Problem is i can't separate the pitman arm from the long rod where all the hoses go into. I was told to pound on the arm, but I don't know if I am doing it right. I have been pounding on the pitman arm forever and no such luck. Try to explain this process as basically as possible guys I do not know the steering component terms quite yet. O yeah it's also for a power steering 69 mach.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

DO NOT POUND ON THE ARM!!!!! go to your local parts store and buy/rent a pitman arm puller. you'll have it off in 10 minutes.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Crap well i am done doing that. Is there any other way to do this besides getting the tool I know there is something. I thought by pounding it would loosen the tapered end.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

pitman arm pullers aren't very expensive. online i've seen them less than $10. i got mine at autozone for @ $15. i don't think you'll get it off with anything but a puller, they are on TIGHT, especially after 36 years. to give you an idea, they are just as difficult to re-install and tighten.

 

[zookeeper]

You know, it's only few more bolts and you can get the whole steering assembly out as a unit. That's what I did when I stripped my engine bay down, just took the whole thing off at the spindles, unbolted the idlers from the frame, took out the box bolts and voila! out it came as a unit. Of course I'll disassemble and rebuild it before I re-use it, but I don't have to worry about losing any parts until then.

 

[mikec35]

I have a 67 FB with a 351W. What Zookeeper said is correct, but add removal of the header to get your steering box out. If you have stock exhaust manifold you might get it out without removing manifold.

 

[zookeeper]

That's true, since he's sanding the engine bay, I assumed the motor was out, but maybe not...

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Thanks guys, yeah the engine is out. I got the thing off its still connected to that arm, but I don't want to go taking apart the whole thing, I will just sand and clean the steering box right there and paint it.