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Technical Should pitman arm be removed to install to make tie rods fit ‘63 impala

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Eth727, Aug 13, 2025 at 5:47 PM.

  1. Eth727
    Joined: Jun 20, 2024
    Posts: 265

    Eth727

    I have a original’63 impala power steering gear box that I just installed but the tie rods, and relay rod won’t connect to the pitman arm. I tried messing with the tie rods but they can be adjusted only so far. Either i remove and move the pitman arm or move the steering shaft where it connects to the gear box. Isn’t the pitman arm usually clocked into the gear box? What do you guys think I should do?
     
  2. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 4,234

    rusty valley
    Member

    Most pitman arms have a few teeth missing , clocked so it can only go on one way. Don't know chevys much
     
  3. Tow Truck Tom
    Joined: Jul 3, 2018
    Posts: 3,224

    Tow Truck Tom
    Member
    from Clayton DE

    Can't see what you are showing us, but if the pitman clocking can get what you need,
    grinding away the blank teeth will get you there.
     
  4. Eth727
    Joined: Jun 20, 2024
    Posts: 265

    Eth727

    It is a stock factory ps gearbox. I’m installing PS to a ‘63 that didn’t have it before. I have all the parts for PS . The pitman arm or the wheels need to move so I can connect all the steerring linkages.
     
  5. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 6,303

    Fordors
    Member

    Here’s a photo, although it doesn’t show a lot, but I think you have to change the pitman arm when changing a standard steering ‘63 Impala to PS. The std. steering pitman has the tapered ball stud integral with the pitman, whereas the PS pitman has a tapered eye that accepts a tapered ball stud that will be on the PS control valve.
    IMG_4381.jpeg The control valve is in back of the two hoses at the bottom.
    Also the control valve will require a different center link, the valve screws onto the center link at the left end of the control valve.
    IMG_4382.jpeg
    This photo shows the control valve, to the left there is an internal thread, (NF, maybe 3/4-20, I’m not sure) where the center link screws in and you can also see the tapered stud that goes into the PS pitman.
    IMG_4383.jpeg
    I think your manual steering pitman looks like this ^

    If I’m all wet with this advice don’t be afraid to call me out, I’m going from memory on a ‘67 Nova with PS that I had decades ago.
     
    saltflats and 427 sleeper like this.
  6. 427 sleeper
    Joined: Mar 8, 2017
    Posts: 3,315

    427 sleeper
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    You're exactly right. Dedicated power steering boxes didn't happen until 1965. Sounds like there's a bunch of mis-matched parts.
     
    Fordors likes this.
  7. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 13,272

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    You are correct.
     

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