Steering Gear

Turn steering wheel so wheels are pointing straight ahead. Remove steering gear coupling shield (if equipped). Disconnect steering shaft coupler bolt. Mark alignment of worm shaft to steering shaft for reassembly reference. Raise vehicle and mark position of sector shaft to pitman arm if not master splined. Remove "K" joint or crossmember as necessary. Remove pitman arm fastener and remove pitman arm with suitable puller.
CAUTION: DO NOT hammer on end of puller to aid removal.

Tapping on side of pitman arm should be sufficient for removing pitman arm. Remove steering gear mounting bolts and remove gear from vehicle.
To install steering gear, gear and components must be aligned before tightening bolts. Align worm shaft flat or mark to match coupling and install gear with mounting bolts finger tight. Tighten coupling pinch bolt, align gear to coupling and tighten gear mounting bolts.
NOTE: With captured type couplings, ensure that no metal-to-metal contact exists between flanges.

Install pitman arm on sector shaft master spline or as previously marked. Tighten pitman arm nut. Check steering movement for smooth operation before lowering vehicle. Adjust steering column or gear if binding occurs. See Collapsible Steering Columns in this section for column adjustment.