Stearing arm material

[DEANs427]

When welding on a drag link was necessary on the gasser build and now on the Bronco build, I have the part annealed at a metallurgy shop and de-stressed. did not cost too much and I sleep better. 7 years of use on the gasser and no problem, also passed IHRA tech inspect. I used Flame Metals Processing Corp. in Rogers, Mn. they provided a grain structure and brinell test results b4 and after.

[frnkeore]

That is the way to do it!

I manufactured aircraft parts, until 2000. What you describe would have cost me about $200, with aircraft certs, at that time for one or 20 parts. They are done in batches.

[My427stang]

I have over 30 years on a extended and dropped pitman on my F100.  I am changing it out after 30 years, only because Marc (turbohunter) set me up with an aftermarket one that will match a better and newer tie rod design, not because I fear it in ANY way.

Way back then, I built my pieces out of a second arm, drilled them to have a pin to locate them, then MiG welded.  Keep in mind though it was a BIG MiG that built some heat, not a 120V buzz box.  Pretty sure the pitman arms are soft, otherwise a curb would take them out.

With all of that, anything you do, is on your own, don't let my experience be what I may do today, or what I would recommend.  Steering is sorta important

[wowens]

My427stang reminded me.
I have seen lot's of bent pitman arms in 50 years of collision work.

[428 GALAXIE]

Did some Google digging on steering box swaps years back.I remember omega/Vauxhall boxes and I remember that the pitman arm needing some massage but not welding. But then again Google wisdom and my memory

[frnkeore]

This is the and most expensive way to do it:

1. Send the part to a metallurgist, to identify the base material.

2. Anneal the part. You can do this part, by heating to a medium red, in artificial light and submerging in dry sand, in a enclosed metal box. I use a ammo box and cat litter. Or, have the metallurgist do it, while he has it.

3. Weld prep the part as I outlined above.

4. Have a certified welder, weld the part with the same rod or wire, as the base metal and air cool.

5. Send it back to the metallurgist for X-ray and re-heat treat.

The welder and the metallurgist, has to know the alloy, before they can accurately weld or HT the part.

I can guaranty it will cost more than $200, plus shipping but, I can also, guaranty It will be as strong as new.

[Heo]

Did some Google digging on steering box swaps years back.I remember omega/Vauxhall boxes and I remember that the pitman arm needing some massage but not welding. But then again Google wisdom and my memory

The Omega Pitman arm is to short  if i dont move the box further to the front. May be a possibility if
it dont hit anything

[BigBlueIron]

Forged Iron welds super easy. You guys are over thinking it. Heat, weld 7018 Low Hydrogen with a DC welder, peen, post heat, peen some more. Throw it on top of the wood stove until it burns out overnight.
You could even wire weld it but the 7018 will weld up nicer.

[Heo]

Forged Iron welds super easy. You guys are over thinking it. Heat, weld 7018 Low Hydrogen with a DC welder, peen, post heat, peen some more. Throw it on top of the wood stove until it burns out overnight.
You could even wire weld it but the 7018 will weld up nicer.

Yes this turned in to a science project ;Dt

[Heo]

Did some Google digging on steering box swaps years back.I remember omega/Vauxhall boxes and I remember that the pitman arm needing some massage but not welding. But then again Google wisdom and my memory

I may go with A Opel Power R&P found one in my stash of steering
components pretty easy to fit that one to

[machoneman]

Rat rod, Vega, etc. parts: https://www.google.com/search?q=rat+rod,+pitman+arms&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS768US768&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiW2beaq9bnAhUTOs0KHag7CUQQ_AUoAnoECAwQBA&biw=1280&bih=657

[wowens]

Rat rod, Vega, etc. parts: https://www.google.com/search?q=rat+rod,+pitman+arms&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS768US768&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiW2beaq9bnAhUTOs0KHag7CUQQ_AUoAnoECAwQBA&biw=1280&bih=657

Great link, that leads to a lot of info I've not see.