Steering Box Removal

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FlDart360

FlDart360

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I am Looking for advice from those who have removed their steering box before from a 71 Dart Swinger or similar A body. The details are as follows.

1. 360 with Hedman headers
2. Manual steering box

I’m no stranger to taking things apart I just don’t want to go overboard with the disassembly which happens sometimes when I get into unchartered territory. Also should I try pulling the Pitman arm while the steering box is still in the car or wait until it’s out? Any recommendation on a puller that won’t break the bank? Thanks
 
Some will say to drop the sub-frame but then you should have an alignment done. Myself... if it's a V8 car..... Removed the battery and battery tray, removed the brake booster/master cylinder, loosen up the right motor mount. Removed the left motor mount. Loosing the steering column so you can move it back away from the box. Removed the left exhaust manifold. Jack the engine up enough to get the box out. Unbolt box and removed box.
 
Oh and you can rent a pitman arm puller from Autozone but let me tell you sometimes they are a ***** to get off. I have had to heat them before they would budge. Good luck in your adventure!
 
Hellrats said:
Oh and you can rent a pitman arm puller from Autozone but let me tell you sometimes they are a ***** to get off. I have had to heat them before they would budge. Good luck in your adventure!
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It is imperative to have a pitman arm puller to remove the arm. If there is a lot of rust, soak it good with penetrant. Since I'm in Ca. I don't have
to deal with the rust issues in salt country. I have never had a problem removing a pitman arm, and have never had to use heat to remove one.
I did grow up in Indiana so I remember pick up bed sides flapping in the wind.
 
Lee Robinson said:
It is imperative to have a pitman arm puller to remove the arm. If there is a lot of rust, soak it good with penetrant. Since I'm in Ca. I don't have
to deal with the rust issues in salt country. I have never had a problem removing a pitman arm, and have never had to use heat to remove one.
I did grow up in Indiana so I remember pick up bed sides flapping in the wind.
Click to expand...
Being a lifelong rust country guy, I always hit any bolt/nut I can get to with a wire wheel in a cordless drill before I soak it down. A bit of heat from a propane torch (watch for brake or gas lines, and don't get it hot enough to mess up any close rubber parts!), in between soakings of loose-juice, helps out a lot.
 
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