HI
I am currectly trying to get the steering box outa my datto 1000, and I am having trouble getting the pitman arm off the steering rods. it appears to be a tapered bolt and short of cutting it off I cant get it to budge. I was told that a firm wack with two hammers either side will loosen it up and it should drop out.. ahh no! Any suggestions??

Yes there is a trick , and here it is . What you need to do is remove the split pin and nut ( obviously) and then get a lever of some kind, use the lever to aply presure that is seperating the pitman arm from the steering arm . Then using two hammers hit opissite sides of the hole similtaneously. What you are doing is deforming the hole out of round for just a second which breaks the tapers bond from being jammed together, this will spit the rod off. you dont need to pound the sh1t out of it just keep tapping away.( once youve done a few you'll be suprised how easy it is )
WHAT NOT TO DO
do not place a peice of pipe or wood on the steering rod and smack it hard with a big hammer. this will bruise/dent the worm in the steering box and compromise the boxes smooth operation. good luck

Bart

A14force has good advice. You can use a "pickle fork" (a large tapered-fork tool) to apply the pressure, before you hit the sides with a hamerr. You (sometimes) can be successful with using a crowbar to put the pressure on it.

YOU ARE A CHAMP!!

I am at work at the moment, and will try that when I fly back in (home) which is in 8 days time (not that i am counting!!)
I will post a response when I give it a go so you know..
again thanks!!!

After considering A14force's advice, I'm thinking it may not be a good idea to use a pickle fork or a lever bar.

The Clymer's manual for Datsun 1200 says:Quote:

The gear can be difficult to remove. Using the dual-hammer method with or without a gear puller should take it off without any damage