modifing the pitman.. yea crazy I know

Discussion in 'Technical' started by flynbrd, May 31, 2011.

  1. flynbrd

    flynbrd Member

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    Ok before I go and purchase another pitman I'm toying of modifing my power one. The only difference between the manual and power pitman is the tappering for the ball joint. My crazy idea is to cut the end off flip it 180 degrees and weld it back on. Do you thing a tig weld can hold it together. He mentioned double welding by creating a valley for the first weld. So far the cheapest replacement I can find is around 50$.
     
    flynbrd, May 31, 2011
    #1
  2. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    Spend the $50

    If I'm not mistaken, the pitman arm is forged, it would be compromised at best.

    ...it's not worth the risk.
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2011
    injectedmav, May 31, 2011
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  3. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    im sure it could be done. thats not an easy weld to do. it should be tig welded with the correct filler rod used to match the material of the pitman arm.
     
    Bryant, May 31, 2011
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  4. darren

    darren Member

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    I'm sure someone on here can help you out with a good used one if need be.
     
    darren, May 31, 2011
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  5. starsky74

    starsky74 Technician

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    i would assume forged or case hardened. id spend the money
    on something my life depended on (y)
     
    starsky74, Jun 1, 2011
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  6. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    The pitman is tempered steel. Getting it hot from welding will make the metal brittle and it could snap into under regular use. It takes a damn good welder to pull your plan together. After paying his fee and having the pitman re-tempered you would be cheaper to buy the correct parts and do it right.
     
    rthomas771, Jun 1, 2011
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  7. flynbrd

    flynbrd Member

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    hmm looks like I'm buying a used one then lol
     
    flynbrd, Jun 1, 2011
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  8. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    The manual pitman arm has a ball joint in it. (or was it vice-versa?)You can't weld that in
     
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2011
    baddad457, Jun 1, 2011
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  9. seth

    seth Member

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    it would almost be like welding cast, just be sure to check for hair line fractures after welding, it happens quite easy when welding that sort of stuff.
     
    seth, Jun 1, 2011
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  10. 55crownvic

    55crownvic Member

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    That would be more expensive than just buying the correct unit
     
    55crownvic, Jun 1, 2011
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