Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear)
1. Remove the nut (3).
2. Remove the lock washer (2).
3. Clean the exposed end of the pitman shaft.
4. Clean the steering gear housing (1).
5. Use a wire brush to clean the pitman shaft splines.
Important: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if it is not centered.
6. To center the stub shaft:
6.1.
Rotate the stub shaft (1) with a wrench from stop to stop.
6.2.
Count the number of turns.
6.3.
Rotate the stub shaft back 1/2 of the total amount of turns.
Important: When removing the pitman shaft assembly, the pitman arm and its components may fall from the steering gear housing. Support the
pitman arm and its components while removing the pitman shaft assembly.