On (hopefully) final update -
Parts dried overnight and I was able to get things hooked up under the car. Assembly was a LOT easier than disassembly. I took it for a test drive and I am impressed. There's no more 'float' in the steering. Also, the car lost most of its' creak/groan when turning corners. I'll need to go get the car aligned next.
Next project is the ball joints and I'm guessing I probably ought to do the control arm bushings at the same time. Is it possible to get the bushings pressed in with basic garage DIY tools (vice, etc)? Or do I need to take the arms to a shop to have them pressed in? I still have to order the correct tool for the ball joint, the one I got was way too big. Maybe I'll save that project for next month.
Here are some pics to share:
Getting the new tie rod assembly to roughly the same length. Using the old one as a guide.
Loosely assembled in the garage:
Pitman arm and Idler arms are loosely bolted in while I get the tie rod fitment and try to get the wheels pointed straight.
There was lots of back and forth from one side of the car to the other trying to get the wheels pointed straight and the pitman arm locked into the right spot. While the wheels are now pointed forward, the steering wheel is at 3 o'clock. I'm hoping I can pull the steering off and turn it back to 12 0'clock. If not I guess I need to unbolt the pitman arm and move it over a few splines.
One final question. Do I need to grease these fittings? They are Moog components and appear to be pre-greased. I have a grease gun, but didn't know if I need to load up all the joints really well.
The Pitman Arm Spline Nut is 1-15/16" and torqued to 120 ft/lbs. I doubt you'll be able to use a monkey wrench to torque that nut so it's best to get yourself a socket. Since it's a steering component, don't skip getting a socket to torque the nut for safety reasons. The last thing you need is for the pitman arm to dislocate and lose your steering!
Thank you! I hadn't thought that far ahead. I went and got the correct socket and was able to torque the new pitman arm to 120 ft/lbs.