73 Ranchero GT

When I changed my 72 to power steering, I might have replaced the pitman arm with the PS version.

Just another odd thought, is the Mustang pitman arm much different? I used the Mustang PS box, so I'm guessing that the size of the sector shaft matches the Gran Torino also. If the pitman arm is available, how do they differ, the length or shape? I was in high school at the time, I knew nothing about cars, I probably thought any parts were the same if they looked the same. I had help from an older friend, who had a wrecked 71 Mustang. So all I remember is that I got the used steering box and PS pump from his Mustang, the lines and pitman arm I can't recall. It was straight forward except for mounting the PS pump, the rest was easy work.

cjstaci wrote: It states 1-1/8 sector shaft. Might be easier if I change the steering gear to one with the smaller sector shaft.

The later 70's models have more common parts, easier to find. If those are all available, for this kind of obsolete part problem, swapping to the later parts is a good option.

But you need to make a good build book for any vehicle that has many non stock parts, so future servicing is much easier for the next mechanic. Discovering odd parts in a vehicle is hell for a mechanic.

I am not sure if you are going to try a used Pitman arm or one of the NOS parts with the updated numbers.  But it looks like this Centric arm might be available here from this vendor:

It appears to be in stock, but you might have to order to confirm.

My problem now is time. I am getting ready to retire, pack up and move to NM. Might be a month or two, maybe three. I am thinking I might be better off to sell this. I bought it for $4000 and put over $3000 into it so far. I got it dependable enough that I have been driving it 50 miles a day to and from work. But it's a 50 year old car that is unrestored. The engine runs great and the trans shifts great, Rear end is good, Ive replaced the axle seals and pinion seal and gear oil. It has some rust on the left rear lower quarter and a few other spots but solid floors and a straight body with original paint. If I could get my money back out of it I would sell it, otherwise I will drive it to NM and work on it later.

Funny thing, I saw a new listing on Ebay yesterday for a new pitman arm. It was a buy it now price of $250. It sold quickly. Today, I noticed the same pitman arm pictures now being sold on two separate listings, one for $295 and one for $365 by the same seller. Maybe he bought it and is trying to make a buck.