72 FJ40 Steering Column Removal Help Needed

[Fj40surfer]

Hi. I’m trying to remove the tub from the frame and am almost there but …Does anyone have any advice on removing the steering box from the linkage on a 1972 40? This has the 3 speed on the floor. I’ve unbolted the steering box and column at the dash and it seems to have two ways to remove the last bit. One is to take off the spindle from the steering box (top photo) but I’ve tried a pry bar and hammer and can’t get it to budge. The photo shows the nut on but I removed it when trying to pry the arm off.

The other way seems to be to remove the linkage just below (lower photo). I’ve taken out the pin and there is a flat nut at the end ( shown in this photo for reference) that I’ve removed but I can’t get the linkage disconnected. It seems like something is still holding it together but I can’t see anything. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[pb4ugo]

I think you need a pitman arm puller to remove the arm from the box. A/P stores usually have a loan tool. Or you can continue to remove the threaded screw in that joint. I think there's a spring and other parts behind it. The arm has a ball on it.
Do you have a factory service manual (FSM)?

 

[73FJ40]

Post in thread 'Tips on removing a stuck fj40 pitman arm?'

Sep 21, 2018

@mrjordann :

i had the same problem, not able to get the pitman arm to budge with a two jaw puller.

Someone here on 'Mud suggested using one of these:

Which is availabe on Amazon as:
OTC 8150 Conical Pitman Arm Puller

The pitman arm had been well soaked in penetrating oil. I tightened this puller up, waiting an hour, and whacked the head of the screw with a hammer and the pitman arm jumped off.

My theory on why this one works better than the two jaw puller is that the force needed to...

• 73FJ40

• 

 

[Fj40surfer]

I think you need a pitman arm puller to remove the arm from the box. A/P stores usually have a loan tool. Or you can continue to remove the threaded screw in that joint. I think there's a spring and other parts behind it. The arm has a ball on it.
Do you have a factory service manual (FSM)?

Yes. I need to look through the FSM and see if it has a diagram. That’s a good idea on the arm puller. Thanks I’ll give that a try.

 

[Fj40surfer]

I think you need a pitman arm puller to remove the arm from the box. A/P stores usually have a loan tool. Or you can continue to remove the threaded screw in that joint. I think there's a spring and other parts behind it. The arm has a ball on it.
Do you have a factory service manual (FSM)?

Thanks again that was $14 from Harbor Freight and literally 20 seconds

 

[diesellibrarian]

On the 72 you can’t separate the steering box from the column: it has to come out as one piece. I found that I had to remove the fender to get the assembly out, though the FSM suggests removing the carb and oil cleaner. Pick your poison I guess!

 

[Fj40surfer]

On the 72 you can’t separate the steering box from the column: it has to come out as one piece. I found that I had to remove the fender to get the assembly out, though the FSM suggests removing the carb and oil cleaner. Pick your poison I guess!

I know, seems like a common theme. Finally got the column out and the last 4 tub bolts. By the way, I am using your build as inspiration. I have followed your build and have many of the same rust issues with the tub. Thanks for all the great photos and descriptions, hopefully I can get to where you are in a few months.