bent strut rods and how do you know if a pitman arm is worn?

[coolhandluke]

hey guys, my '72 dart started eating front tires and the passenger side wheel started shaking really bad when I hit any potholes, so I ordered the super poly front end kit from PST. I was taking everything apart today, and came upon a couple issues. Both of the strut rods are bent near the front, the driver's side a little worse than the passenger side. Everything was completely worn out, one wheel would flop back and forth an inch or more with the other wheel stationary. I don't know if that could have caused the bent strut rods, I don't believe it was in a wreck, there's no damage that I can see. Somebody had replaced the upper control arm bolts with regular bolts, they didn't have the offset washers on them at all. I have no idea how they ever got it aligned. :sad5:
I know the pst kit doesn't come with a pitman arm, how do I check it to see if it needs replaced? And can I straighten those strut rods, or do I just need to try to find replacements?

Thanks guys!
Luke

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

Luke,

Pictures? I would replace anything bent that is easily found. Is the pitman arm loose? If so it needs replaced. How about the idler arm?

 

[coolhandluke]

Like a dummy I didn't take any pictures, I did the work at my parent's house (they have a garage and I don't). Where would the pitman arm be loose at? It's tight on the steering shaft; it moves at the center link side, but doesn't feel really sloppy. The PST kit comes with the idler arm.

Where would be the best place to buy strut rods, and what could have caused them to bend?

 

[jomoper]

I have a decent set of strut rods if your interested PM Me .

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

Like a dummy I didn't take any pictures, I did the work at my parent's house (they have a garage and I don't). Where would the pitman arm be loose at? It's tight on the steering shaft; it moves at the center link side, but doesn't feel really sloppy. The PST kit comes with the idler arm.

Where would be the best place to buy strut rods, and what could have caused them to bend?

It would be worn at the knuckle where it is connected to the center link. The end with a castle nut and a cotter key when it is removed from the center link.

 

[Mad Dart]

If you went and bough the PST stuff you should spring a little more and pick up member badart "s" Strut Rod's instead of using stock.

http://www.dillingerchassis.com/product/adjustable-strut-rods/

 

[coolhandluke]

How much difference would an adjustable strut rod make over a stock one?

 

[Mad Dart]

How much difference would an adjustable strut rod make over a stock one?

You kinda answered your own question. It is adjustable.
Depends how you adjust it.

 

[cudascott]

Luke,
The best way to check a pitman arm for wear is to get the car on
A flat hard surface and have someone move the steering left to right
And watch for play at the joint where it connects to the drag link

 

[coolhandluke]

You kinda answered your own question. It is adjustable.
Depends how you adjust it.

Sorry, but that response doesn't even help me a little bit :banghead:
All I know is to take it to my local shop and have it aligned. I have no idea what the benefits of having adjustable strut rods would be, or how to adjust them if I had them.

Luke,
The best way to check a pitman arm for wear is to get the car on
A flat hard surface and have someone move the steering left to right
And watch for play at the joint where it connects to the drag link

is there any way to check it now that everything is apart? Thanks!

 

[Mad Dart]

The are stronger. Solid bushings instead of rubber. You will transfer weight to the rear tires better and get better suspension travel because of the hiem pivot. Also there are no rubber parts that will go bad, wear out and have to be replaced. Your front end will not have any SLOP in it when braking either because there will be no Rubber to give or move at all.

Maybe that helps you just a little bit.

 

[cudascott]

Sorry, but that response doesn't even help me a little bit :banghead:
All I know is to take it to my local shop and have it aligned. I have no idea what the benefits of having adjustable strut rods would be, or how to adjust them if I had them.




is there any way to check it now that everything is apart? Thanks!

Well if it's out already just feel of the ball and socket joint if it can be pulled in and out any or is really loose I would just replace it

 

[dennday67]

i have an extra set of upper control arm bolts if your looking for a set

 

[coolhandluke]

i have an extra set of upper control arm bolts if your looking for a set

thanks, but the pst kit came with the upper control arm bolts