The Secret Pitman Arm for 70 - 72 E-bodys

[CUDA JAS]

I think I have found the holy grail of pitman arms!

I have an early 70 power steering box in my 74.  I think we all know, there are two sizes of output shafts for steering boxes, the early 70 - 72 has a smaller output shaft, while the later 73 and up have the larger output shaft.

Obviously each box requires a different pitman arm.  The pitman arm for the early boxes seem to cost over 2x more then the arm for the later box and are tough to find.

So the X factor in all this is the manual boxes...the manual boxes for all years have the same size pitman arm...the smaller early size.

Now, if you look at listing for Pitman arms, in rock auto, all pitman arms for 70 - 72 cudas are in back order, but there are two available for the 73 - 74 cudas, one for power boxes (moog K7076 Inner Diameter of splines is 1.1) and one for manual boxes (moog K7075 Inner Diameter of splines is 1.004).  Both are very similar in price.

I have both in my possession (don't ask) and can verify that the K7075 fits the early power box.  Visually they look the same.  So unless I am missing something, it looks like the K7075 pitman arm is the solution for those looking for a new pitman arm for the early small output shaft power box.

Jason

[blown motor]

I have both in my possession (don't ask) and can verify that the K7075 fits the early power box.  Visually they look the same.  So unless I am missing something, it looks like the K7075 pitman arm is the solution for those looking for a new pitman arm for the early small output shaft power box.

Jason

Oh pray tell, why do you have both Jason?  Couldn't resist.

[CUDA JAS]

Oh pray tell, why do you have both Jason?  Couldn't resist.

Well funny story...I was multi tasking at work, on a phone call and ordering car parts...and managed to select the wrong part k7076.

So...if you know anyone local looking for a pitman arm for the larger later box...

Jason

[Mopar Mitch]

Why don't you just order the longer Fast Ratio pitman arm from Firm Feel for your proper sized box?  And the matching longer idler arm (simply a C-body idler arm)... then you'll have a fast-ratio setup WITH a slightly tighter turning radius, as well (vs a factory T/A Fast Ratio ps box which has internal turning limits).  (NOTE: If you have a headers on a BB engine, then the longer fast ratio pitman arm, and maybe the longer idler arm, too, will likely interfere with the headers from BB engines... but no problems with small blocks having headers.)   

[CUDA JAS]

Why don't you just order the longer Fast Ratio pitman arm from Firm Feel for your proper sized box?  And the matching longer idler arm (simply a C-body idler arm)... then you'll have a fast-ratio setup WITH a slightly tighter turning radius, as well (vs a factory T/A Fast Ratio ps box which has internal turning limits).  (NOTE: If you have a headers on a BB engine, then the longer fast ratio pitman arm, and maybe the longer idler arm, too, will likely interfere with the headers from BB engines... but no problems with small blocks having headers.)

Mitch,

I tried the fast ratio arms (From PST) last year on my cuda, both with the manual box and when I went to power.  I honestly did not like the fast ratio arms.  I found them to be too quick.  Given this is a street car,  I just don't see the benefit.

So are you saying the K7075 arm is not correct for a power steering box?

Jason

[Mopar Mitch]

Hi Jason -- I can't comment whether or not the different Moog pitman arms are correct or not... but I really like/love my fast ratio steering for my usage (AX/HSAX/lapping events... and local cruising).   And... I also use a smaller diameter steering wheel (11.5" dia) that makes the steering even faster in response/action.... a must is to use the Saginaw ps pump (the Federal pumps cannot keep up with fast action lrlrlrlr motion).

[CUDA JAS]

Well folks, a quick update.

I went to install the new pitman arm and new idler arm last night and it all seemed to fit perfectly!

No issues installing the pitman arm that is labeled as 73 and up manual box on an early 70 power box.

The steering runs though the range of motion just fine. 

I am looking forward to taking the car for a test spin and see if it tightens up the steering.

Jason

[340challconvert]

Why don't you just order the longer Fast Ratio pitman arm from Firm Feel for your proper sized box?  And the matching longer idler arm (simply a C-body idler arm)... then you'll have a fast-ratio setup WITH a slightly tighter turning radius, as well (vs a factory T/A Fast Ratio ps box which has internal turning limits).  (NOTE: If you have a headers on a BB engine, then the longer fast ratio pitman arm, and maybe the longer idler arm, too, will likely interfere with the headers from BB engines... but no problems with small blocks having headers.)

I like your suggestion.  Have a 70 A66 Challenger vert.  Rebuilding the front end.
I want to have Firm Feel rebuild my stock 70 chuck, then add the fast ratio steering arms for the smaller output shaft.
I always found stock Mopar steering very sloppy back in the day, this is especially highlighted today when you now normally drive a modern car.
Just my thoughts.

[erat340]

Hey Jason! Google Mopar Action article "Pump it Up", talks about lowering P S pressure with shims. I just bought kit 899001 from Borgeson Co. but havent had a chance to install the shims in the PS pump pressure valve. Check it out!

[tman]

Well folks, a quick update.

I went to install the new pitman arm and new idler arm last night and it all seemed to fit perfectly!

No issues installing the pitman arm that is labeled as 73 and up manual box on an early 70 power box.

The steering runs though the range of motion just fine. 

I am looking forward to taking the car for a test spin and see if it tightens up the steering.

Jason

Is the new Idler you installed for a later Cuda model year or are they all the same for all years.

[CUDA JAS]

Hey Jason! Google Mopar Action article "Pump it Up", talks about lowering P S pressure with shims. I just bought kit 899001 from Borgeson Co. but havent had a chance to install the shims in the PS pump pressure valve. Check it out!

Did that last year....it helps a bit.  You need to fiddle with the amount of shims you put in to get the right feel.

Is the new Idler you installed for a later Cuda model year or are they all the same for all years.

I believe they are all the same yes.

Jason

[brasil]

The "trick " with the PS Pump only works with a SAginaw Pump... 

I did it last week....  the difference is realy feelable..  more contact  between the driver ...and the road

and very simple too....  if the pump lays on the workbench...you need aprox. 10 minutes... to to the job


Greetings JUergen