Pitman and idler arm issues

[Arend Huisman]

Hi there,

My mechanic mounted a Ford T9 gearbox (5-speed) in my '64 Dart with V8. And all goes well except for one thing. The rear end of the engine sits a tiny bit lower than usual and now the steering link hits the starter motor just a bit. We tried to lengthen the Pitman and idler arm but the Pitman broke in the first attempt to steer. So we need a new set and if possible 3/4 of an inch longer. Any ideas?

Arend Huisman

 

[RustyRatRod]

I would shim the transmission mount. Doesn't really matter though since that transmission will be in pieces not too terribly long after you get it running. That's a Mercury Capri transmission designed to go behind the 2.8L V6. Good luck with that.

 

[Arend Huisman]

I would shim the transmission mount. Doesn't really matter though since that transmission will be in pieces not too terribly long after you get it running. That's a Mercury Capri transmission designed to go behind the 2.8L V6. Good luck with that.

I don't intend to use all the power i have, just cruising around. Thanks for your advice!

 

[RustyRatRod]

I don't intend to use all the power i have, just cruising around. Thanks for your advice!

Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Ironracer]

Rusty KNOWS his Stuff, man. And I'd agree also. Heavily! Is it hard to find a 904 there?

 

[Kendog 170]

Sounds like clearance issues with the tranny led to lowering the engine.

 

[chewy]

If the angles aren't correct, plan on saving money to have the rear end rebuilt, frequent ujoint replacement and whatever additional problems that will arise from your mechanics decision.

 

[Dartswinger70]

Did the pitman arm break at the weld? how about heating and bending a new one? or finding a longer one heating and bending it or a v8 one etc. it sounds like youll be playing around to see what works. What about a retrofit to rack and pinion?

 

[wheelsport]

You may need to put the engine/tranny at original stock height and modify the floor to accept the assembly.