I am putting my front end back together on the 66 GTO. Can someone tell me where the pitman arm points when the steering is neutral (straight ahead) position? I seem to recall it as pointing towards the rear of the car, but when installed there,the oil pan interferes with the center link. Thanks.

I am putting my front end back together on the 66 GTO. Can someone tell me where the pitman arm points when the steering is neutral (straight ahead) position? I seem to recall it as pointing towards the rear of the car, but when installed there,the oil pan interferes with the center link. Thanks.

Yes it has to point to the rear.
Do you have a stock pan? Are the Motor Mounts worn or broken?
When I put my pitman back on my 67 I posted pics because I was concerned I was not getting it up tight enough for the same reasons. The clearance near the pan is very tight on all "A" body cars from what I have seen. I checked many cars and looked over on the chevelles board as well. They talk about it there too. I got mine to just clear in relation to the pan, but it rubs ever so slightly on the crossmember at full turn.

Make sure you have it flipped (up/down orientation) the right way. It should only go on the shaft one way since I THINK it is tapered. I KNOW its keyed...
Also the Centerlinks are different shapes between different years, that matters a lot. The replacemnts can be thicker diameters too.
Make sure you got the arm on enough to get the nut all the way on the shaft and THEN a few threads before making a judgement on the clearance.

Hope that helps some.

James Fasso
[email protected]

'67 GTO Conv
"220, 221, whatever it takes."
Micheal Keaton as "Mr. Mom"

Thanks, I got it. It is tight. The only way it would go on was to put the center link through the pitman arm and idler arm simultaneously. Front end now back together. Now for the exhaust, intake and power brakes. Hope to get done by spring. The header install ate my lunch until I cut the flanges off on the passenger side.

one other thing to check for this problem is worn motor mounts. when they settle the pan gets closer to the crossmember and linkage.

mike

Yes putting it together is a bit of a puzzle. My front end/Disc conversion took me waaaaay too long, so don't feel like your the only slow one.....

James Fasso
[email protected]

'67 GTO Conv
"220, 221, whatever it takes."
Micheal Keaton as "Mr. Mom"