Pitman Arm Losened up

[JBakerFX4]

Ok, Noticed lately the Pitman arm nut has been backing off, not much... roughly 3/16" from the original paint markings. I have the 4" SJ kit. Took it back in today, and helped the guys re-torque it... I personally checked the threads on the nut and bolt. Nice and clean. They put a lot of Red Thread locker on it and we torqued it to 375 Lb/Ft this time using a S&K USA built HUGE torque wrench. Paint marked it again. Hopefully it won't back off this time. Not sure if they used thread locker originally... Has anyone else had this happen? I'm assuming most people don't really check these things..? Glad I keep a VERY close eye on my truck.

[rankroddin250]

I was going to sugest using thread locker till I read the rest of your story. it should be good to go now. just keep an eye on it.

[PSDfan99]

yes, kind of scary but my pitman nut was very loose when I checked it about a month ago. So I took care of that with an impact gun! I didn't use any thread lock tho, maybe I should.

[mschn99]

this is VERY common on lifted trucks with aftermarket pitman arms.....

if you have enough threads showing....put a second nut on it....if you dont....id make a mark in the threads after torquing it to keep it from backing off....

[JBakerFX4]

Well, my shop that did my lift is actually pretty good. Know some of the guys personally. They do most of the dealer's "lifted trucks". they told me they've never had ANYONE come back in the years they've been in business for this issue on SD's. I'm assuming I'm the only one that actually keeps tabs on things like that. People that buy lifted trucks from dealers, new... probly don't check pitman arm nuts. just a guess.. And I know "aftermarket" products need more attention than stock OEM parts. Just the nature of the beast. You agree to deal with the PITA issues when you put aftermarkets parts on I guess. But I feel much better with lots of Lock tight and being at 375 with me helping them to verify all the details... thread condition etc. Even the brand of torque wrench was an issue for me. Just have to check it every few thousand miles as a routine thing like tire pressure.

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Last edited by JBakerFX4 : 11-06-2007 at 05:46 PM.

[PSDfan99]

Originally Posted by JBakerFX4

Well, my shop that did my lift is actually pretty good. Know some of the guys personally. They do most of the dealer's "lifted trucks". they told me they've never had ANYONE come back in the years they've been in business for this issue on SD's. I'm assuming I'm the only one that actually keeps tabs on things like that. People that buy lifted trucks from dealers, new... probly don't check pitman arm nuts. just a guess..

well you hit that nail right on the head