ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

jbone

Member
Heres the deal:

I am planning on putting the ZQ8 box in soon. I also ordered a pitman arm to go with it. My question is how do I know that the ZQ8 and pitman arm are lined up like they are supposed to be? Thanks
 

Black Knight

I Glow Therefore I am
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

There is going to be 4 slots in it 90 degrees apart on the output shaft. To make sure you have the pitman arm put on in the center you'll have to turn the box all the way one way, then count the ammount of turns all the other way (IIRC it's 3.25) then go back half that distance and you should be dead center.
 

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

Black Knight said:
There is going to be 4 slots in it 90 degrees apart on the output shaft. To make sure you have the pitman arm put on in the center you'll have to turn the box all the way one way, then count the ammount of turns all the other way (IIRC it's 3.25) then go back half that distance and you should be dead center.

Mine only had 1 slot.
 

Black Knight

I Glow Therefore I am
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

Hunh, I've never came across a one slot, just 3 and 4. I'll keep my eyes open.

Well if your box only has one slot like Rick's then it's pretty self explanatory.
 

pinellas50

New Guy
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

Put the truck in the air with the front tires straight. Then pull the box with the pitman arm still attached. You can then use the old box to match up where the new arm should be on the new box.

I seem to remember only one way for it to go on as well. But my memory isn't always the best. You can't get it wrong with the above method.
 

Mtn Z

Donating Member
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

One slot here also. Yes there is really only one way it will go when I put mine in. It's not that bad.
 

jbone

Member
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

So... Im bringing this thread back from the dead. I never put the box in, but now that I have the rest of the front suspension done I may as well. I should have clarified my question. When installing the new box with the pitman arm attached how do I know that the steering box is actually centered so that its not turned to the left or right? Is turning the box lock to lock and counting the number of turns, then going back half way the only way to be sure? Thanks!
 

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

if it is 1 slot then you can't go wrong and if it is the 4 slot (like mine) then you'll be 90 - 180 degrees out putting it in - this makes it pretty obvious that something isn't right.

It won't actually go in the wrong way as the arm sticks out and you can't bolt it all up if it isn't aligned. It's a bit of a pain but you'll be fine with it :)
 

thesyguy

Member
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

If the box has been sitting, MAKE SURE YOU FLUSH IT OUT WITH PS FLUID. I did not and my box was full of condensation and I ended up with butterscotch in my pump which killed my pump!
 

Black Knight

I Glow Therefore I am
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

So... Im bringing this thread back from the dead. I never put the box in, but now that I have the rest of the front suspension done I may as well. I should have clarified my question. When installing the new box with the pitman arm attached how do I know that the steering box is actually centered so that its not turned to the left or right? Is turning the box lock to lock and counting the number of turns, then going back half way the only way to be sure? Thanks!

There is going to be a couple ways to do it, but as long as the end result is the same your fine.

Bolt the box to the frame. (with or without pitman arm)

Install steering shaft to box (since it is D shaped it can only go on one way)

Now if you put your pitman arm on correctly then it should be pointing directly at the driver seat if the steering wheel is straight.

If that is all good, attach your center link and your good.

If not then you need to remove the pitman and figure out which way you are off. Like I said earlier dead center is the difference between 3.25 full turns--lock to lock. Then reattach your pitman arm.
 

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

If the box has been sitting, MAKE SURE YOU FLUSH IT OUT WITH PS FLUID. I did not and my box was full of condensation and I ended up with butterscotch in my pump which killed my pump!

errr....wish I had known this. Just filled mine up the other day - is it too late to flush it? Truck has barely run.

I definitely don't want to replace the PS pump. :tdown:
 

leadfoot

Member
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

The alignment is the easy part. Getting the pitman arm off the steering box is the bigger challenge! :rant:
 

BoostedSUV

Active member
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

any idea on the cost of the pit arm?might just be easier to buy a new one?

$28, I just bought one for my ZQ8 box from autozone. Trust me, it's easier and a better idea to replace with a new one while it's out. Beats doing one later with the box installed.
 

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

get a pitman arm removal tool.

and use a blue tipped spanner - mine came right off on the bench.

you need to do it out the truck to get enough torque on to the get the PA back on the shaft.

Lots of fun.
 

cloneman315

Active member
Re: ZQ8 + Pitman arm install?

what do you ask for as far as the pitman arm?year of truck etc?do you ask for a sy?or later model s10truck?im guessing sy?
 
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