removing stock pitman arm

[texan79&96]

i think ive maybe cracked my steering box using a pickle fork on it is that possible? after soaking in pb blaster my pitman arm puller broke so then i put a pickle fork for pitman arms in my air hammer and then used a sledge on it. this morning i went out to work on it and theres fluid coming from the top of the box. whats the best way to get those things off? also the stock arm is thicker than my drop superlift so i had to grind on it some...is there a special tool for these specific trucks? (79)

 

[Bully Bob]

I would say, beating on that box was a NO-NO <_<

Auto Zone will loan you a P-arm puller.

 

[texan79&96]

the type of puller autozone has is just like the one i broke i also had to grind on it some to make it fit. snap on has an interesting adjustable puller for $175. i have a small junkyard of 78-79 parts so i have several boxes around here so its not the end of the world. i was wondering if i could just replace the top of the box cause i got one here that is broken at the mounting holes that seems to be in good shape. i want to salvage it if i can cause i know these arent easy to find in this area (ive bought it all already). i dont understand why they make a pitman arm wedge when all they do is damage the boxes. i figured thats what they were built for so i didnt think anything like this would happen. i bought the wedge and air hammer attachement set at sears its been a frustrating lesson to learn.

 

[xlt79brnc]

I've gotten the pitman arm off by putting the puller on it and adding heat. A small torch and keep tighting up the puller and soaking it with PB blaster. I don't keep the heat on it for long times, it might get to hot and mess up some seals.