Pitman arm "play"

[mrbill426]

How much "play" should there be in the tapered threaded stem of the pitman arm?  I am not referring to up and down play, but rather the side to side rotation or "swing" within the socket.  Looking at mine the ball end of the stem is surrounded by a socket that is pressed or staked into the casting.  The ball swings inside that socket, but the socket also swings inside the casting, making for quite a bit of movement.  Nothing appears "loose" at all,  it takes a bit of effort to move everything, and there is no up/down (or in/out) movement of the stem or it's socket.  Is this normal?

Thanks

 

[Chryco Psycho]

None it should be tight / zero side to side movement

[mrbill426]

So, it should only rotate in that socket?

None it should be tight / zero side to side movement

[Strawdawg]

Yes

Steve

[mrbill426]

Wonderful, guess I'm looking for a pitman arm then 
Are they the same for all E-bodies?  Mine is a '72 with power steering.

Yes

Steve

[Strawdawg]

No...I believe there was a discussion on the differences just a few days ago

Steve

[dutch]

difference is in the box output shaft. I think size changed in 71. Later model is a lot cheaper so you`re Lucky 

[Strawdawg]

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=98603.0

I think the 72 may use the smaller, more expensive arm.....I don't remember the difference between power and manual, tho...I think the larger hole version began in '73.  The above link was the discussion I mentioned in my prior post

[mrbill426]

Yes it would appear I have the earlier (smaller shaft) gear box as discussed in that other thread, just peachy  .  I never know with this car because it was built at a time (April '72) when some changes were made.  If I read comments right I can either seek out the small (mega-buck) arm, or simply get a later model box, and that box will swap in with no other modifications???  Or does the later box also require different tie rods down stream, a different coupler upstream, and different hoses? 

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=98603.0

I think the 72 may use the smaller, more expensive arm.....I don't remember the difference between power and manual, tho...I think the larger hole version began in '73.  The above link was the discussion I mentioned in my prior post

[Katfish]

Other than the pitman arm, direct swap.  Did it in my 70

[mrbill426]

Thanks, now I have options    I "assume" the valve on top of the '72 box will swap into the newer box too right?

Other than the pitman arm, direct swap.  Did it in my 70

[brads70]

Now might be a good time to upgrade to the fast ratio arms? I found them to be a welcome improvement.
I'd measure the shaft to be sure 1" or 1 1/8" I think are the sizes.

[Chryco Psycho]

Or up grade the steering box to a Firm Feel or Steer & Gear level 3

[mrbill426]

Okayyyy, now I am confused  , I just picked up a brand new pitman arm and although a lot tighter the tapered stem one it also moves within that ball socket just like the old one, it's like a joy stick.  Is this new (Raybestos #250-1208b) one  a defective part??  I'm going for a '73 setup and this arm is supposed to be for that.

None it should be tight / zero side to side movement

[Chryco Psycho]

OK maybe I misunderstood , the pin can move like a joystick same as a Tierod end , why I am not sure as there is zero need to move that way , but it should have no slop / side to side movement