Stuck Drag Link & Pitman Arm

[ldmack3]

You might also try putting the pitman back on the steering box and jerking the steering wheel back and forth quickly to break that steering arm loose from the link.

 

[ldmack3]

I didn’t see where you pulled that big straight slot plug in each end of the drag link. It shows installled in one of your pics. Cotter pin goes thru the slot. Easy to figure after you get it out. Mine were really gnarley in there but they should come right out. Bunch of pieces in there, document assembly.

 

[Hummer Guy]

I didn’t see where you pulled that big straight slot plug in each end of the drag link. It shows installled in one of your pics. Cotter pin goes thru the slot. Easy to figure after you get it out. Mine were really gnarley in there but they should come right out. Bunch of pieces in there, document assembly.

Yea I got those off, you talking about those cotter pins at both ends of the drag link?

 

[Hummer Guy]

Alright, so I basically tried everything to get this off this morning. I came to conclusion, I'm going to cut it off. Where is the best spot to cut it without damaging the steering arm? I notice the steering arm seems to have some sort of ball joint holding the drag link on and then there's threads under that ball joint. Either that or where can I cut the steering arm off without damaging those 4 threads?

 

[Weldman]

.

 

[Hummer Guy]

Did you heat the outside and let it cool then try knocking it out, sometimes takes more than once to get it break free.

Haven't tried that yet but I think I'll just cut it off from that ball that's holding it on

 

[ldmack3]

Yea I got those off, you talking about those cotter pins at both ends of the drag link?

Correct. The pin then the screw in plug then the pieces. That should have freed up the ball to move to the large opening side of the keyhole allowing it to come out of the drag link.

 

[NDT]

Time to get a mechanic involved.

 

[Hummer Guy]

Correct. The pin then the screw in plug then the pieces. That should have freed up the ball to move to the large opening side of the keyhole allowing it to come out of the drag link.

Yea that's how it should be, I don't get how it's still stuck, from what it seems, I can cut it off at the ball stud and then drill the rest of the ball stud of the hole. At first, I thought the ball stud was possibly built into the steering arm but seems like it's a separate piece

 

[davidb56]

put the nut back on and use a ball joint fork with a real hammer. No need to torch anything. a LITTLE heat helps, but too much will weaken the steel permanently.

 

[bprzyw]

Maybe use some penetrating fluid , some heat and a pickle fork and beat that thing out.

 

[Hummer Guy]

I'm going to try that but most likely going to end up grinding it off from the ball

 

[GopherHill]

Correct. The pin then the screw in plug then the pieces. That should have freed up the ball to move to the large opening side of the keyhole allowing it to come out of the drag link.

You did remove the screw in plugs on the ends of the drag link, right?

 

[Hummer Guy]

You did remove the screw in plugs on the ends of the drag link, right?

Yep

 

[Hummer Guy]

Update: so, I grinded it off, now it's time for the next challenge drilling out the rest. As I expected, its not coming off with a hammer or puller. I tried a puller and it eventually ended up slipping off

 

[NDT]

Puller is on the wrong way. Push on the threaded end.

 

[Hummer Guy]

Puller is on the wrong way. Push on the threaded end.

I attempted to do that but didn't have enough space

 

[NDT]

I attempted to do that but didn't have enough space

Cut the wheels right or left

 

[Hummer Guy]

Cut the wheels right or left

If I jack up the other wheel, that's possible?

 

[ldmack3]

Yes. On jacks the wheels turn easily by hand.