Pittman arm nut on '51 Pontiac

[Andy J]

2 years ago I used an impact to remove the Pittman arm nut from the steering sector of my'51 Chieftain.I seem to remember when I broke it loose,I took the nut off with my fingers.Today I put the steering column back in the car and started to put the Pittman arm back on,but the nut would only go on about 2 turns finger tight.I used a 1/2" drive ratchet to tighten the 1 1/4" nut,but it wouldn't budge.I didn't want to use the impact for fear of screwing something up.

Is this nut a one-time use nut or is this normal?

[JFranklin]

How do the threads look? I doubt the nut was made to be used only once. Most likely the threads were damaged on or off at one time.

[Andy J]

They look just fine.I cleaned them with carburetor cleaner and an old toothbrush really well.The steering head has been wrapped up since I took it off,except when I painted it.I'm just afraid to put the impact on it.I don't like forcing things.Tomorrow I'm going to see a couple of good mechanics I know for their opinions.

[PhilAndrews]

I took mine off and it went back on without issue.

 

Had anybody peened it to the thread? That'll cause it to bind.

[JFranklin]

I would not force it on. You might try a different nut.

[Andy J]

I got it.I just kept loosening and tightening,getting easier every time.When my 22" pythons got tired,I put the impact on it.I couldn't spend 3 hours putting one 1 nut.

 

I still don't know why it was so hard to turn.Thank you all for your replies.

[JFranklin]

1 hour ago, Andy J said:

 

 

I still don't know why it was so hard to turn.Thank you all for your replies.

Streched threads.