Steering gear and pitman arm questions, 2006 E350 6.0

[dogsandcats]

Thanks Eric, did you have a chance to check your pitman arm for a part # to determine if it's OEM or modified for sportsmobile?

[ShuttlePilot]

My pitman are is definitely an unmodified Ford part. As usual, the numbers cast in the part aren't relevant to Ford's part number system. Since at Napa and at Red Head I just ordered a replacement E-Series Steering Box I feel safe saying my pitman arm is a standard E-Series as well. Just for reference my van is a 2005 Sportsmobile West build, if that makes a difference.

-Eric

[mgmetalworks]

There are only 3 different pitman arms used on the Eseries, one of which wasn't used until 2019-ish.

The other two were common between '92 to ~2003 (give or take). After 2004-ish, I've only seen one.

32-spline Pitman arm (MOOG K80783, big spline clocked 45deg), '92~'03
36-spline Pitman arm (MOOG K80785, big spline inline with arm), '04+

All of the E-series pitman arms are 5.2" center to center.

There are a number of other pitman arms that will fit an E-series steering gear that came from other applications (like an Fseries Truck) but there's no way of knowing what it is without a part number (engineering part numbers can be cross-referenced by people in the know at a Ford parts counter) or what the measurements are or both.

Chances are, you have a stock pitman arm.

[HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE]

2003 E350 SMB Quigley 4X4 7.3 (2001 F350 4X4) conversion.
While driving in the Sierras I hit a rather large rock with the right front wheel. There was a severe jolt to say the least and I had visions of an undriveable Van. I manages to back out of the situation and to my surprise the steering worked well with the esception that the steering wheel was turned to the right 145*. The wheels tracked straight and I drove 300 miles home with no problems.
I had a front end alignment drove home with the steering wheel still off center. Drove on a short trip (several hundred miles) and the wheel had returned to 145* off center to the right.
Trying to decide where to take it (my shop must not be familiar with 4X4 front ends).
What are your thoughts as to the issue with the steering system? I need ideas before I make a decision as to where to go. Last result would be my Ford dealer.
Any one familiar with front end shops in Los Angeles/so Cal?

[vandiesel]

It's pretty easy to straighten the wheel using the threaded adjustment. Mine os off a bit also. Trial and error until you get it straight. You adjust at the steering rod.