Upgraded Pitman arm?

[Jayman]

So this fall, after the AW fun and bending a tie rod due to my CL being old and worn out, I purchased and installed a Hoohaa CL with new Tie-rod assemblies incl. upgraded AC adjusters.

Now, as many of you know, to install the HD Hoohaa CL, you are required to drill out the Idler arm, and Pitman arm to accept the new 5/8" grade 8 hardware that is included.

Well, the Idler arm came off the truck no problem, and was drilled out without issue.

My Pitman arm on the other hand, was NOT coming off the truck. I couldn't even break the nut off the bottom of the steering box shaft, and I was afraid to do damage to the steering box itself, so I didn't want to force it too much. I tried heat, I tried a breaker bar, I tried PB blaster, nothing would get it loose.

Anyways, although the instructions say that it's not adviseable to drill out the arm while it's still on the truck, they do say that it's doable, so that's what I did.

Well, apparently I can't drill a perfectly straight hole while lying on my side with a drill pointing downwards, on a 28.8 degree angle. So, there is some play in my steering, and this is from the pitman arm being able to move back and forth slightly when I provide steering input via the steering wheel. With someone else moving the wheel back and forth, I can see the arm moving back and forth because the hole I drilled ended up too big.

So, I need to replace my Pitman arm.

And now the million dollar question:

Are there upgraded pitman arms out there for the X? Is one even required? I recall that there have been some issues with the L&P steering system, something about the pitman arm being braced, and the bracing preventing the proper torque to be applied, or something like that.

What say you, oh great and all wise CNTC?

[Bamboozled]

I would say that there are no "upgraded" pitman arms out there, that I have heard of anyways. I remember using a 4' breaker bar with a Big ass pipe wrench AND two guys pullin to get the nut off the truck, what a b*tch. From what I hear, the pitman arms are not that easy to find and are not cheap... but I could be wrong.

Good luck with your troubles.

[Scotto]

The stock pitman arm is plenty good.

I do have an aftermarket pitman arm, from L&P (NOT later known as HooHaa). I really can't see any difference between it and the stock one (but I'll go out to the garage tonight to have a second look.)

The problem wasn't so much that the arm was braced with gussets - those gussets do help, I guess, but not measurably - but the that the top and bottmom gussets each supported a flat piece of metal that went over top the CL. Those wee pieces of metal did not allow the bolt to be properly torqued over the CL.

Hope that helps explain that bit.

As for not being able to get the pitman arm off - gotta work on that. In the spring, liberally douse the thing with everything you've got til you can get it off.


Scott

[Bow_Tied]

Another option (if/once you get the arm off) is to drill it out a touch more and insert a bushing. That should be inexpensive.

[Pezzy]

L&P (later known as HooHaa).

For the record L&P and HooHaa are NOT the same company or people. They both however have (L&P in the past, HooHaa now) offered upgraded steering components for the Xterra & WD21 Pathfinder.

I just wanted to set that clear, as I know a lot of people have had issues with timing & quality with L&P, and I want to make it clear that HooHaa is not part of those happenings.

[Scotto]

Correct. They are different people entirely. Didn't mean to suggest they were one and the same.

Here is a quote from Bryan, of HooHaa, re. L&P:

After fixing and helping fix more than one of L&P's mistakes, I no longer recommend buying from them. I supported them and even sent customers their way in the past, but no more. Sooner or later there will be a tragedy when one of their cold welds fail on the highway for someone.


HooHaa good. L&P not so much.


Scott

[Simon]

There is no need for an upgraded idler arm. Get a new stock one. Might want to pay to have it replaced....I've never been able to get one off....in 3 separate tries.

Yes, the L&P steering with the added gussets are worthless, and in my opinion, harmful to the integrity of the upgraded CL. L&P simply used a stock pitman arm, and added a gusset. No different than stock, aside from that.

For those who run an L&P system, I wouldn't worry. Their products WERE quality.. Then they had some issues partners, and the quality really fell off. Owners of newer L&P CL's may want to have a good look at the welds, or have someone with some experience (Jay and/or Tom come to mind) to give their opinions.

Hoohaa CL's never seem to have an issue. He takes the safety of his customers very seriously.

[HolidayNation]

You have a pitman arm? I have a left arm and a right arm, both with pits

Good luck bro.

[Bender]

I have a free spare used stock pitman arm laying around that you are welcome too if you want to pay for shipping?

Let me know, and when I go in to the big city on friday, I will ship it from the UPS store.

[Jayman]

I have a free spare used stock pitman arm laying around that you are welcome too if you want to pay for shipping?

Let me know, and when I go in to the big city on friday, I will ship it from the UPS store.

That would be awesome Jay, I can send you the money whenever you like!

I just wondered if there was anything out there in the way of upgrades. When I have to replace something, I tend look for upgrades instead of replacing with stock items. I just figure if I'm going to be spending some money on something, I might as well pay a bit more and get something better if there is such a thing.

And of course, because I have never seen anything in the way of upgraded PA's, I wondered if there was anything even out there.

If the stock one is alright, then I'll just stick with that one.

[Jayman]

You have a pitman arm? I have a left arm and a right arm, both with pits

Good luck bro.

Lol... Smartass!

[Bender]

Ok, then I will ship it out to you the cheapest way they have.

PM me your addy and i will get it out on friday and let you know what they charged.

[Jayman]

As always, Bender is the Man.

That is all, carry on!

[Pezzy]

As always, Bender SUCKS.

That is all, carry on!

Fixed that for you!

[Bender]

You are mean!

[Bender]

Well I have knocked off the little bit of rust and so far have given it 2 light coats of semi-gloss black lacquer paint.

See Pezzy I don't suck!

[Jayman]

Well I have knocked off the little bit of rust and so far have given it 2 light coats of semi-gloss black lacquer paint.

See Pezzy I don't suck!

NICE! Thanks buddy!

I reiterate, you are the man...

[Pezzy]

See Pezzy I don't suck!

Meh. You're okay.

[Bender]

Ok its on its way. Dropped it off at just after 10 this morning.

Should be there by tuesday, let me know if it isn't. PM'ed about shipping costs.

[Jayman]

Ok its on its way. Dropped it off at just after 10 this morning.

Should be there by tuesday, let me know if it isn't. PM'ed about shipping costs.

Fantastique mon ami!