Short Pitman steering arm

ped58

ped58

Senior Member
I'm rebuilding the front end of my '29 2 door sedan. I ordered the parts 3 weeks ago and started on it yesterday and had a few things like the steering arms rebuilt (Single & double) front spindle arms rebuilt and a brake job, but when I looked for the Pitman arm it was the short version. I thought I ordered the stock one but not so, the bill has the short one listed , so my fault. ....
Is it OK to use the short Pitman arm or should I send it back for original style. thanks
 
A lot of mixed views on this. I changed one of my A's to the short and after trying it I changed the others. I find steering much easier. Wayne
 
If you don't like it you can always go back to stock. It's an easy change. But I think you probably will find steering a little easier with the shortened arm. Some have complained that the steering radius is larger, but if it's true, I haven't found that it's noticeable.
 
I believe the shortend arm also puts less stress on the steering gear. The input shock from the front wheels hitting a pothole or stirking a curb is reduced. Less mechanical advantage.
 
A short/altered pitman arm is only as good as the person's welding ability that made the changes. Remember, there is nothing like the original parts. Original parts are engineered for the car and have worked well for over eighty plus years. Personally, I would not take the chance of having an altered pitman arm on any of my cars. I drive a Model A, and the uniqueness of the steering goes with the territory.
 
I have a pitman arm that was reconfigured and shortened without cutting/welding. Looks funny, but works just fine. I wouldn't buy a short pitman arm at a swap meet, but I would have no issues with one purchased from Bert's, Snyders, etc.
 
I think some AA trucks came from the factory with a short arm. Several years ago I found an arm that looked just like an original but about 1.5" shorter. I asked around and someone said it was from an AA. I've been using it ever since - works fine.
 
Larry Seemann said:
I think some AA trucks came from the factory with a short arm. Several years ago I found an arm that looked just like an original but about 1.5" shorter. I asked around and someone said it was from an AA. I've been using it ever since - works fine.
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I have one of those also, can't find anything in the parts
book or Service Letters about it.

Bob
 
SAFETY FIRST.
Will it break, leaving you with no steering?
no?
then it is your choice...your car...your preference.

i put one on and liked it....kinda....it compensated for a problem in the front end. (New thrust washer thickness)
Fixed the real problem and put the original back on.. like it better.

Be safe first. Do whatever pleases you second.
 
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