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Author
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Topic: Pitman arm length - how important?
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 4511
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-13-2003 06:49 AM
 
I've been searching without luck for an original pitman arm for my '72 with power steering. I haven't found one yet, but even if I do, I know the price will knock me off my chair. (Anyone know why pitman arms are so expensive?)
So I sent my original by courier to this distant auto supply, and the guy calls and says he has something in a box with TRW 18728, replacement for Ford 69-72 written on it. He says it's exactly the same as mine except it's about half an inch longer. He says that if anything, the extra length is a bonus for power steering. Also the spline is identical.
Waddya reckon? He wants about $50 for it, half what I would expect to pay for a D1 original part. Will the extra half inch play havoc with my steering geometry, or make no difference?
Thanks as always,
Simon[This message has been edited by Fastback68 (edited 08-13-2003).]
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RonnieT
Gearhead Posts: 912
From: Port Allen, La. 70767
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 08-13-2003 08:25 PM
Simon, The pitman arm and idler arm must be the same length to keep the geometry correct. if you use a 1/2" longer pitman arm you must se a idler arm that is 1/2" longer also. I think I would just keep trying to find the proper pitman arm. What is wrong with your old one? ------------------
Ronnie
69 mach1 351W-4V engineless at the time!
70 Torino GT 351C-4v with a "shaker"
Mustangs and More Member #23
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 4511
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-13-2003 08:41 PM
quote:
What is wrong with your old one?
Thanks for the info, sad though it is  The ball joint on the old pitman is completely shot. It's an original, one-piece unit. But aren't there aftermarket ones available with replaceable ball joints? OK, back on the phone ...
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 4511
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 08-13-2003 10:28 PM
Scored!!! 2000 pesos - that's $38 - for a fresh-in-the-box original!
I tell you, these parts stores with stuff on the back shelf they haven't dusted off in 30 years are great! Of course, it's not my fault he doesn't know the going price on these babies 
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65Acode
Gearhead Posts: 132
From: The Woodlands, TX
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 08-14-2003 06:53 AM
.[This message has been edited by 65Acode (edited 08-14-2003).]
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