OEM Dodge Ram 3500 Pitman Arm

Dodge Ram 3500 Pitman Arm Parts and Q&A

• Pitman Arm
  68069795AA
  Q: How to Service and Repair a Pitman Arm in an Independent Front Suspension on Dodge Ram 3500?

  A:

  Start by taking out the nut from the tie-rod and then use a fit-for-purpose puller to remove the tie-rod end ball studs from the Steering Knuckles. Then, grab an appropriate puller to remove the inner tie-rod ends from the center link, take out the idler arm stud from the center link and lastly, the idler arm bolt from the frame bracket. Take out the pitman arm by marking where it and the shaft are located, then remove the pitman ball stud from the center link using Puller C-4150A. For installing the idler arm, secure its arm on the frame bracket and screw in the bolt until it meets the requirements. Set the steering gear between the alignment marks and fit the pitman arm, after which add the lock washer and nut onto the pitman shaft, tightening it to 251 Nm (185 ft. lbs.). Link the center link to the ball studs and place the retaining nuts on them as directed. Put the tie-rod ends onto the center link and fasten them, tightening the nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.). After that, put the tie-rod ends into the steering knuckles and tighten the nuts up to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.). After removing the supports and dropping the car, place the Steering Wheel in the middle and check the toe, with the clamp's retaining bolt beneath the line you inserted into the wheel sleeve. Once you have adjusted your tie-rod, tighten the adjustment sleeve clamp bolt to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).
• Pitman Arm
  52122392AA
  Q: How to Safely Install a Pitman Arm Without Damaging the Steering System on Dodge Ram 3500?

  A:

  The steering gear should not move off center by more than 25 degrees on the output shaft before setting the poppet valves, because incorrect settings can keep the steering from going to relief, leading to problems and risks of heat damaging the system. First, make the marks match and then place the pitman arm (3). Turn next to the retaining nut (2) and set it on the pitman shaft while tightening it to 300 Nm (225 ft. lbs.). Next, put the Drag Link (6) onto the pitman arm (3), add the nut (1) and tighten it to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.), then turn it for an extra 90 degrees. Set the track bar (5) and fasten the bolt (4) to a torque of 54 Nm or 40 ft. lbs. After removing the supports, ease the vehicle down to the ground, put the Steering Wheel straight and set the toe. Finally, tighten the bolts on the adjustment sleeve clamp to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.) Having aligned the steering gear box on the tie rod end, turn engine off, put the vehicle on turn angle plates or no weight on the tires, steer the wheels to their maximum angle in a given direction, then apply maximum torque to the steering wheel. Before the full turn is achieved, you'll notice that turning gets harder, this happens at about the 1 3/4 point. Rotate the steering wheel but in the opposite direction, so the poppet valves trip and reduce the air pressure when the steered wheel is brought close to each end stop.