Pitnam arm instalation questin

[sphooch]

Hi guys I installed a new pitman arm and Teflon rebuild kit . new rubber greese seal and metal retainer . problem is now when I turn the wheel a space shows up on the rear side of the drag link. its maybe 1/8th in. greese is sure to leak out , how is this fixed? I used new Teflon cups etc. Brattons has a diagram showing the correct sequence for installation of the parts, which I followed,however Les Andrews book diagram shows it different. any suggestions as to what I could have done wrong? thanks THE HOOCH

[whirnot]

Do you have the end plug in the correct amount? I turn it in until all the slack is out, then one more full turn.

[sphooch]

thanks for your answer, I can turn the end plug more, I stopped when I could get the cotter pin in. I don't know how to figure 25% spring compression. some say when the cotter pin goes in that's it . but good advice I" ll try it tomorrow . thank you THE HOOCH

[SteveB31]

You must tighten the plugs more then getting the cotter pin in. Tighten it till it is tight, then
Two more turns, all of those plugs, tie rod and drag link. Whoever told you just to tighten them to get the pin in, was incorrect.

[alexiskai]

I've attached the Snyder's photo showing the drag link-pitman connection in case it's helpful for the discussion.

[duke36]

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I measure the springs (approx 1") and then tighten the plugs 1/4" or so of threads length in the drag link after plug contact to get the 25% while checking the link firmness. Some period literature suggests being able to rotate the drag link and tie rod very firmly by hand. Also, one of the vendor's (forgot which) diagrams is for the earlier factory assembly, later reversed as shown in the Service Bulletins and in the Alexi photo.
As Steve B noted, the plugs may be further in the ends than expected.

[sphooch]

Hey Guys thanks for all the good advice, I tightened up the slotted end screw , made everything tight and problem corrected. you guys can really pump some good information into this site and we who don't know really appreciate it . thanks THE HOOCH

[whirnot]

Or you could do it the way I found my pickup drag link, put the cotter pin in, then screw the plug down on it snug. Yep, leaked grease like crazy and had a serious death wobble! How it never fell off is beyond me....