Pitman Arms for GM application

[dfarr67]

Looking for a replacement pitman arm for a GM application:

- normally I wouldn't consider Dorman for anything, but wanted opinions on Dorman RD line..?
- also looking at TRW non-greasable arm, I actually go out of my way for sealed u-joints but is new to me..?

 

[Lubener]

Myself, I go greasable. I have never had to replace a greasable joint which I had replaced years ago.

 

[1blkc5]

ac delco professional

 

[Trav]

Looking for a replacement pitman arm for a GM application:

- normally I wouldn't consider Dorman for anything, but wanted opinions on Dorman RD line..?
- also looking at TRW non-greasable arm, I actually go out of my way for sealed u-joints but is new to me..?

TRW is a safe bet. I have been using sealed for many years and will never go back to anything with a zerk fitting, HD trucks are a few exceptions but that is not something I work on.

 

[D60]

Some of the zerks on the idler arms (passenger side) are borderline impossible to reach unless you installed just the right fitting (maybe a 45, maybe a 90) and clocked it just so.....and even then you've gotta stick your tongue out, squint and stand on one leg.

IOW, make sure a zerk is practical for use and you clock it correctly if applicable.

I seem to remember the last time I ordered McQuay Norris I got TRW, or vise versa. From RA. Those were TREs and didn't seem like anything special but hopefully "good enough"

For a pitman or idler I'm inclined to go FLAPS for a lifetime warranty

 

[dfarr67]

This is a GMT400 1989 that the PS box has been retrofitted to a Delphi 680 (2004). Just ordered a TRW arm then found out it is a 4 groove spline and I need a 3 groove spline- in 1989 there was no groove issue.

 

[dfarr67]

ac delco professional

There was a time when there was no question of ACD. I don't go out of my way for ACD or Delphi now- GM has poluted the brand. GM Genuine may be an option but $$

 

[dfarr67]

Some of the zerks on the idler arms (passenger side) are borderline impossible to reach unless you installed just the right fitting (maybe a 45, maybe a 90) and clocked it just so.....and even then you've gotta stick your tongue out, squint and stand on one leg.

IOW, make sure a zerk is practical for use and you clock it correctly if applicable.

I seem to remember the last time I ordered McQuay Norris I got TRW, or vise versa. From RA. Those were TREs and didn't seem like anything special but hopefully "good enough"

For a pitman or idler I'm inclined to go FLAPS for a lifetime warranty

Ya that idle arm is a pita...but it doesn't want for grease. Second Moog problem solver- first was a year old and the alignment shop refused the job it was so loose. No more Moog for me.

 

[dfarr67]

GM GENUINE 85819774

Same arm that was on the box I think. Don't know GM in its wisdom made 3 and 4 spline boxes.

 

[D60]

GM GENUINE 85819774

Same arm that was on the box I think. Don't know GM in its wisdom made 3 and 4 spline boxes.

GM drives me nuts with that. Back in the day they'd use a couple things that were practically universal (like bellhousing patterns) but then everything else had 15 variations depending upon myriad RPO codes.

Even the ubiquitous square body trucks weren't as universal as you'd think, and then it got really bad with GMT400s. IMO of course.....

These days you better have a smartphone to snap the QR code in the door jamb to call up the RPO codes if you want a part. Heaven help us if the network goes down.

I like GM fine, but needed a morning rant!

 

[dfarr67]

Re: GMT400, other than multiple brands available the boxes depended on 1500/2500/3500. I do not understand the point of stocking more part numbers than necessary and reducing commonality. Assuming the steering gear cam from the same manufacturer at the time- what was the point. Anyway this part was reasonably priced my only beef is with RA- the other arm plus a gasket was $20 to ship, arm only this time around was $30.....

 

[buck91]

Lot of hate on Moog these days, I'm not sure its warranted. My theory is that the rest of the market (or at least a lot of it) has improved to the point where Moog isn't much better bot that they are worse... And/or there is confusion with their R-line.

That said, I AM testing this. Installed Moog arms, BJs and tie rods on my truck at 100k. 13x,xxx now and still great. Granted thats not huge mileage yet.

 

[CleanSump]

Remember when MOOG and TRW were the tops? Now people recommend Mevotech and Anchor when they were considered total junk before.

 

[dogememe]

Remember when MOOG and TRW were the tops? Now people recommend Mevotech and Anchor when they were considered total junk before.

Is that the same Anchor that makes motor mounts? Because I would not want those anywhere near my car.

 

[dfarr67]

I am sorry guys- I'm lazy and view work as.....well...work and want to do the job once. So the best part at a reasonable cost goes in and these days that may be NOS.

 

[dfarr67]

Keep hold of your nuts- cheap buggers don't include a new one.