Which pitman arm for my '72 with 78 front suspension

[Deeznuts]

Guys Im converting the front suspension in my '72 to a '78 disk brake front suspension. We are replacing all the worn out components along with the power steering gear box. I bought a new steering box but the guy at the parts store says they don't offer a replacement pitman arm. That got me wondering, do I use one for a 72 or a 78? Where would I find one? Thanks! derrick

[mybros71]

I can't help but wonder what's wrong with the original one. It's not a typical west item unless it was run for a while with a loose sector shaft nut or tie rod nut. Is it damaged? If so I think a wrecking yard might be your best bet.

Tony

[Deeznuts]

I didn't know if there is a difference in the 72 and 78 pitman arms. I bought the front suspension from a junk yard and didn't get the steering box to compare the 2 . Im hoping I can just use my original pitman arm

[mybros71]

I'm not sure of the interchangeability. Check the tech articles.

[mrsnicks]

http://www.fordification.com/tech/str-s ... ations.htm


Talks about the pitman arms and shows comparisons there. You will need a pitman arm from the donor (73-up) truck.

"IMPORTANT NOTE: Ford did some redesign of the front end components beginning on late-'71 trucks, including the Pitman arm. If you're installing a disc brake setup on an early-'71 truck or earlier and attempt to use your original steering linkage, you'll might discover that the drag link will not fit the Pitman arm, meaning you'll have to use the steering box (or at least the Pitman arm) from the donor truck. Read the scans at right from the factory Technical Service Bulletins for more info, and scroll down for some side-by-side comparison shots of the variances mentioned in the TSBs.

[robwymer]

Derrick,

F100? Ford started putting discs on F250s in 1968, but didn't put them on the F100 until 1973. Does your truck have power steering already? I put a 73-79 front end on my 67 about 2 years ago - I think it was a 73. Definitely check the tech articles. The guidance there was invaluable. If you don't have power steering,get a power steering pump bracket for your engine. I have a 300 six, and grabbed a bracket off a 1980s van. Consider grabbing the entire front end off of a 73-79 truck (or 68-72 if it has discs), power steering gear included, and simply bolt it onto your truck. That will give you power steering (if you didn't already have it) and disc brakes. You'll also want a power brake conversion if you don't already have it. Don't bother grabbing the brake booster from the donor - I did and had issues adapting it to work with my pedals. I ended up purchasing a brake booster combo kit from Master Power Brakes and it was a perfect bolt-on affair. You may need a shorter steering column, and don't be surprised if parts on the donor setup need replacing, too (kingpins, rotors, etc). I went with a new (1980s style) power steering pump because they aren't that expensive.

Good luck!


Rob

[youngone]

Rob,

You mean the power brake booster will not work form a 78 in a 72. How about if you were to use the pedals from the 78?
I have a 72 and I am going to use the frontend from a 78 and thought the master cylinder and power booster would fit.

Thanks Pat.

[robwymer]

Pat,

The brake booster I tried to salvage off the 1973, if I remember correctly, was a larger unit and clearance was a possible issue, even with my 300 six. But I think the main issues were the mounting points not lining up and the brake pedal incompatibility. The Master Power brake booster kit just made everything a lot simpler, and it was a brand new part. I didn't want to try to use the 1973 pedal setup as I viewed that as a fabrication to make another fabrication work better. What can I say, I'm just more comfortable with bolt-on!


Rob

[youngone]

Rob,

I agree best to use something that bolts on rather than make it fit. Let the engineers do the engineering.

Pat.