Looking for clarification between the gear arm and pitman arm

[NicktheMillwright]

Afternoon gentlemen

 

Simple question, for the 2WD 1985 720, the Pitman arm is part number 48502-09W00. Is this part the same as the Pitman arm for the 4WD models or am I on crack? Everywhere I look for aftermarket arms, its advertised for the 4WD no the 2WD. 

 

I've been forced to buy a new pitman and idler arm as both mine have bushings that are presenting play in the steering, and I cant track down a set of OEM or decent aftermarket replacement bushings. The arms themselves are fine.

 

Nick

[thisismatt]

Pitman and idler arms are supposedly different:

 

 

 

 

 

[datzenmike]

Confirmed. Yes they are different.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Terminology-wise. a pitman arm is what bolts to the steering box (or steering gear). An idler arm works like a pitman arm, but is floating on its axis.

[720_Jeff]

Pitman and Idler arms are different, totally.  2wd has no bushings, pure metal.  The pitman shown, is 80-83, but the 84-86 looks very similar, maybe a slightly different length, or slightly different bend kind of thing.  

The 4wd is a pic that was said to be of an actual 4wd pitman, same with idler

 

I'll add, you're not likely to find a new 2wd pitman, they are all gone.  Perhaps, a new one is stuffed someplace.  Junkyard is your best source for that.  

Just maybe?

https://www.nissanparts.online/oem-parts/nissan-pitman-arm-4850209w00

 

It's in Canada so there's a bonus for ya.  If it turnout they actually have it, sure would like to know!

 

By the looks of it, probably not super likely to wear out.

 

The idler arm bushings are still available, so you can rebuild yours if you want.  You can find them on eBay as a set, nut, washer and bushings

or 

https://www.nissanpartsdeal.com/parts/nissan-bush-idler-arm~48544-41w00.html

 

 

2wd pitman

4wd pitman

Idler

 

 

 

Edited June 21, 2022 by 720_Jeff

[NicktheMillwright]

Ok this is good information. I put in an order with them so we will see what comes up.

 

While I have you all here and we are talking about steering, what power steering fluid do you guys use?

[datzenmike]

Dexron ATF.