Positioning Pitman Arm on the Pitman

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Thu Jan 31, 2019 12:03 pm

Hi all
I have installed the steering assembly with the restored steering box and I'm ready to mount the pitman arm on the pitman shaft.
I'm reading the TM 9-8012 but can't find the instructions how to mount it so the wheels are straight.
Thanks ahead!

Aris
PS Hope this is not Greek to you !

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jan 31, 2019 12:41 pm

TM 9-8012 approaches the steering system with an introduction on page 267 Paragraph 232. Note that the steering gear and pitman arm are not covered until Paragraph 239. Thus you should read thru the preceding paragraphs and comply with all adjustment checks before executing the pitman arm installation in Paragraph 239c(6).

A - Steering wheel centered
B - Wheels straight ahead with toe-in set correctly
C - "push the pitman arm onto the pitman arm shaft with the ball directly below the shaft. Install the 3/4" lockwasher and the 3/4-16 " nut. Connect the steering drag link assembly to the pitman arm (par. 237d). Note that the drag link is not symetrical. The para. 237d opens with how to ID each end for proper installation. If at this point the drag link sockets will not alighn at each end then you will have to make equal tie rod adjustments to move the bellcrank where a good fit occurs.

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 8:36 am

Thanks so much Wes!!!!!

Could you please also explain about tightening the Lower Shackle Bearings?

The TM 9-8012 in paragraph 250/Installation/(6) states: Tighten the bearings alternately and evenly. Back off the lower bearing ABOUT ONE THIRTY-SECOND INCH.

That is also Greek to me. What is that measurement refering to? Should I back it off, so the bearing 'moves out' by that 'distance', or is it some kind of measurement that refers to 'turning' the bearing on it's axis to some degree?

Hope I wrote this so it makes sense!

Post by **wesk** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 10:42 am

Often, a short trip to the Willys civilian jeep manual will offer us a better narrative to work with. The Willys Factory Service Manual SM-1002 is the proper selection when looking for help with the m38 and SM-1046 is the proper selection when looking for help with the M38A1/M170. The short answer is tighten the two bushings equally just until their hex heads bottom in the eyes then back the lower hex head 1/32" away from the spring eye's outer edge.

If you visit the third page of my photo album you will find this link: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

I suggest you go to my album and download the larger file size of Chapter S's 5 pages.

The illustration on the last page makes the subject very clear:

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 12:58 pm

Hey Wes, if I say this correctly, ''I stand at awe' at this forum, at everybody else who are helping and of course, at you personally, for the tremendus detailed help you provide, so we can work on and one day leave behind our classics restored to perfection!

The Greek M38

Post by **wesk** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 3:25 pm

Aris,

You are welcome. And thank you for helping save another great relic of our past.