Stuck Drag Link & Pitman Arm

[Hummer Guy]

So I'm tyring to remove my drag link and pitmen arm so I can install the power steering kit, I ran into one issues, both of them are stuck on. I took off all the bolts and still can't get it to come off. It only just turn a little. Am I'm missing something if not, do anyone have any tips?

 

[Mullaney]

So I'm tyring to remove my drag link and pitmen arm so I can install the power steering kit, I ran into one issues, both of them are stuck on. I took off all the bolts and still can't get it to come off. It only just turn a little. Am I'm missing something if not, do anyone have any tips?

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The 4 bolts have 4 "cone shaped" pieces on the studs that hold that plate in place. Generally speaking, a generous love tap with a 3# hammer should cause those cones to move up the stud. Be gentle with a pair of pliers and wiggle them out. Try not to "booger" them up...

The arm requires a puller.

Hope that helps!

 

[Hummer Guy]

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The 4 bolts have 4 "cone shaped" pieces on the studs that hold that plate in place. Generally speaking, a generous love tap with a 3# hammer should cause those cones to move up the stud. Be gentle with a pair of pliers and wiggle them out. Try not to "booger" them up...

The arm requires a puller.

Hope that helps!

Okay so I managed to get the Pitmen arm off with a puller but still can't get the drag link off, its somehow magically just stuck on. Is there any puller tool for it?

 

[Hummer Guy]

The cotter pin to the threads under the drag link had broke but I still got the nut off. I wouldn't think this the reason the drag link isn't coming off

 

[Mullaney]

Okay so I managed to get the Pitmen arm off with a puller but still can't get the drag link off, its somehow magically just stuck on. Is there any puller tool for it?

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Nobody (including me) wants to do it, but soak the 4 wedges with some WD-40 or your favorite penetrating oil. Give it a good shot, let it sit and repeat it maybe once an hour or so. This time wear your safety glasses when you tap it with the hammer. On the side of the link to "kinda" make it twist. You can also tap down on it half way between the 4 studs and the ball...

 

[Hummer Guy]

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Nobody (including me) wants to do it, but soak the 4 wedges with some WD-40 or your favorite penetrating oil. Give it a good shot, let it sit and repeat it maybe once an hour or so. This time wear your safety glasses when you tap it with the hammer. On the side of the link to "kinda" make it twist. You can also tap down on it half way between the 4 studs and the ball...

Question, them 4 wedges, where are they? Is that part suppose to be the 4 threads on the steering arm?

 

[Mullaney]

Question, them 4 wedges, where are they? Is that part suppose to be the 4 threads on the steering arm?

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The 4 wedges are pointed down into the steering arm. Helps make sure that the holes don't get "wallered" out if the nuts get loose. When you get it apart, you will see the cone shape they fit in to.

 

[Hummer Guy]

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The 4 wedges are pointed down into the steering arm. Helps make sure that the holes don't get "wallered" out if the nuts get loose. When you get it apart, you will see the cone shape they fit in to.

Got it, so a question on that, is there anyway to take the drag link off the steering arm without having to take off the steering arm or do I have to get the steering arm off as well?

 

[Hummer Guy]

Ok so I tried beating it with a hammer and crowbar and got it up just a little, after that it wouldn't move so I put a scissor jack in between and try to lift the steering arm and still no results. This thing is somehow magically stuck on

 

[ldmack3]

I put 2 nuts on each stud so if I missed I didn't ruin the studs and with a short-handled sledge beat the snot out of it on the back side. Also soaked overnight in kroil.
It finally came loose.
If it came up a little perhaps take out the grease fitting and tap it back down, then try again.

 

[Hummer Guy]

G

I put 2 nuts on each stud so if I missed I didn't ruin the studs and with a short-handled sledge beat the snot out of it on the back side. Also soaked overnight in kroil.
It finally came loose.
If it came up a little perhaps take out the grease fitting and tap it back down, then try again.

Going to try that next, another plan is to try and use a pitmen arm puller to disconnect the drag link from the steering arm

 

[Weldman]

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[Hummer Guy]

Damn I love my cutting torch for these times.

That's going to be my final plan if nothing works out

 

[Weldman]

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[NDT]

Which power steering kit are you using?

 

[Hummer Guy]

Which power steering kit are you using?

Waterloo

 

[ldmack3]

G
Going to try that next, another plan is to try and use a pitmen arm puller to disconnect the drag link from the steering arm

After pulling the cotter pin and that large plug/screw it's still stuck? Wow

 

[Hummer Guy]

After pulling the cotter pin and that large plug/screw it's still stuck? Wow

Yep, still stuck

 

[ldmack3]

Did the spring come out or is it on the other side? The spring may be frozen keeping the ball in the narrow side of the keyhole slot.
The spring location is different on each end and I don't remember which way it is. I was able to get mine apart before beating on the steering arm to free the cones.

 

[Hummer Guy]

Did the spring come out or is it on the other side? The spring may be frozen keeping the ball in the narrow side of the keyhole slot.
The spring location is different on each end and I don't remember which way it is. I was able to get mine apart before beating on the steering arm to free the cones.

Think the spring is on the other side, I didn't notice it