So, it turns out you don’t need a pitman arm puller if you have a grinder and a relatively loose interpretation of the word “safety”. I did wear my wife’s pink shooting glasses because my eyes are still important to me. I found an 18” pipe wrench is the perfect size for busting this nut. Take your grinder and carefully cut two reliefs in a V pattern into the pitman arm stopping periodically to ensure you are not cutting into the shaft. The shaft is import, no one likes a damaged shaft so go slowly. Once you have your reliefs cut to within about a micron of the shaft get out your chisel and BFH and wail on that SOB releasing all your suppressed rage and emotion. Once you get the tension release on the pitman arm and your mental state, it should come right off.
Reinstalling is just as simple. Replace the lock washer and nut and thread it on hand tight. Now using the 18” pipe wrench, lay on your back, place both feet against the diff housing and give her the beans. Torque spec is about 185 ft/lbs. You’ll know when you get there because your shoulder will probably pop out of socket. Congratulations, you just avoided renting a free tool you can get at any auto parts store.
*Pro tip - grinder sparks can and will ignite flammable material. Including your shorts. Use caution, or a spotter.
Reinstalling is just as simple. Replace the lock washer and nut and thread it on hand tight. Now using the 18” pipe wrench, lay on your back, place both feet against the diff housing and give her the beans. Torque spec is about 185 ft/lbs. You’ll know when you get there because your shoulder will probably pop out of socket. Congratulations, you just avoided renting a free tool you can get at any auto parts store.
*Pro tip - grinder sparks can and will ignite flammable material. Including your shorts. Use caution, or a spotter.
