2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Pitman Arms

The pitman arm on the 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke

The recirculating-ball steering box on the frame rail turns the pitman arm, and the arm swings the drag link that steers the solid front axle. The factory ratio is 18:1, and the pitman arm nut torques to 350 ft-lb. On 2008-and-up Super Dutys the stock steering stabilizer also mounts at the pitman arm, so check how your stabilizer is mounted before you swap arms.

Why lifted trucks use a drop arm

Lift a 4WD Super Duty and the axle moves down, away from the frame-mounted steering box, so the drag link runs at a steeper angle. Leveled or lifted geometry is one of the conditions that wears tie-rod ends and the drag link faster, and it shows up as wander, bump steer, misalignment and wobble. A drop pitman arm lowers the drag link's connection at the box to bring that angle back toward stock. Match the drop to what your lift kit calls for.

Check the box before the arm

If the steering feels loose, look at the gear box before you blame the arm. These boxes wear internally and develop play between the input shaft and the pitman arm, with wander, a delay before the truck responds, slop and fluid leaks. High mileage, larger tires, plows and heavy loads speed that wear up. Swapping the arm will not take play out of a worn box.

What we carry

The BDS Suspension drop pitman arm with a 5-inch drop, listed for 2005-2025 6.4L and 6.7L Powerstroke 4WD trucks. It is a lift-kit part, built for trucks that have been raised, and BDS also makes the dual steering stabilizer kits in our 6.4L steering section, sized by lift height.

Fitment notes

The BDS arm is titled for 4WD trucks only, so 2WD owners should call before ordering. Torque the pitman arm nut to the spec in the kit's instructions on install (350 ft-lb is the factory number) and have the alignment checked after any change to steering geometry. Verify by VIN with the fitment checker on the product page, and browse the rest of our Powerstroke parts for the 6.4L.

Frequently asked questions

What does the pitman arm nut torque to on a 6.4L Super Duty?

The factory spec is 350 ft-lb. Use it when you reinstall the factory arm after a gear box swap; for a drop arm, follow the torque spec in the kit's instructions.

Will the BDS drop pitman arm fit a 2WD F-250?

It is listed for 4WD trucks only, so check with us before ordering for a 2WD truck. The fitment checker on the product page will confirm it against your VIN.

Is my loose steering the pitman arm or the steering box?

Start with the box. Internal wear shows up as play between the input shaft and the pitman arm, along with wander, a delayed response and sometimes fluid leaks at the box. Have someone turn the wheel while you watch the input shaft and the arm; if the shaft turns before the arm moves, the box is worn.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.