Cognito Steering Braces

[Will]

Hey I'm looking for some tips on installing the Cognito pitman and idler arm braces on my truck. Is it a pretty straight forward install or is it something better left to a mechanic? Any special tools needed to do the install?
Thanks

 

[JoshH]

It's pretty straight forward. You need a big socket or wrench for the pitman and idler arm nuts, but I don't remember what size.

 

[Dozerboy]

33mm maybe or a 15" crescent IIRC it isn't very tight.

 

[Big Willy]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Chevy/reviews/Cognito_steering/

 

[TheBac]

That is one hell of a writeup. :thumb:

 

[Noreaster]

33mm maybe or a 15" crescent IIRC it isn't very tight.

1 5/16" socket, Ive only found it in 3/4" drive so also need a 3/4x1/2 adapter
pitman arm is 180ft lbs IIRC

 

[Redbowties88]

i think its easier to use wrenches if available just due to clearance issues

 

[james13]

snapon has a 1/2" drive 1 5/16 part#sim420h :thumb:

 

[DIESELMAFIAPER.LB7]

There pretty straight forward can be a big pain in the ass though

 

[Redbowties88]

i had to leave out the locknuts on mine so they would fit properly...i just threw some blue locktite on them

 

[Noreaster]

i think its easier to use wrenches if available just due to clearance issues

True, I was thinking of removing the pitman arm, always pivoted the steering box for that. How would you torque it with a wrench? 180ft lbs is hard to judge by "it feels tight enough"
Never did the braces went with SD centerlink instead.

 

[Dozerboy]

"it feels tight enough" has worked for me for 75K miles IIRC I put a metric and slandered wrench on mine and the metric seemed to fit a little better.