Used Center Link?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bhammer · 03-27-2018, 07:32 PM

Soooo, I have a 72 GMC 4x4 SWB that I am rebuilding. I got the frame worked up and threw some tough country lifted springs on it with a 4" lift. My question is the steering center link. I had to get a donor one from another truck as my original was damaged. Since they do not make these new, is it acceptable to use a used one, replacing the tie rod end on the end that you can? One end is solid and does not come out, the other can be replaced.

Tough to see in this picture, don't have a better one at the moment.

Any advice?

Brian

**kwmech** · 03-27-2018, 08:42 PM

What you propose will do just fine

GSP7 · 03-27-2018, 09:24 PM

What do you mean by Center link ? The whole tie rod

Rock auto has them
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...e+rod+end,7428

bhammer · 03-27-2018, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSP7

What do you mean by Center link ? The whole tie rod

Rock auto has them
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...e+rod+end,7428

It’s the link that connects the two spindles. On one end it has a permanent tie rod that appears in good shape, the other has a threaded tie rod that can be replaced. Just wanted to be sure this was okay to use.
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**kwmech** · 03-28-2018, 12:45 AM

It is not a permanent tie rod. That is the tie rod end, it just happens to be 3-1/2' long. You can update to a later model style with the center tube and the shorter ends also if you want.

bhammer · 04-11-2018, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

It is not a permanent tie rod. That is the tie rod end, it just happens to be 3-1/2' long. You can update to a later model style with the center tube and the shorter ends also if you want.

Any suggestion on what year/model will work as a replacement? I'd rather have the link with the two ends replaceable than try and use this one. Not even sure if this is correct for the vehicle. The steering stabilizer holes don't seem to mount up to my D44 front axle. Here are better pics of what I am talking about.

**special-K** · 03-28-2018, 08:21 AM

There is no center link in this design. That is the tie rod. That is how the ends got to be called "tie rod ends". The only reason to ever replace the tie rod itself is if it is bent or the threads get damaged. I had munged up threads in the '72 K/20 Cheyenne Super I had and used the NOS one I had bought for a Blazer with a bent one. I ended up using a used one on that. Kicking my butt for using that and not a used one now.

GSP7 · 03-28-2018, 09:54 AM

Quote:

There is no center link in this design. That is the tie rod. That is how the ends got to be called "tie rod ends". The only reason to ever replace the tie rod itself is if it is bent or the threads get damaged

He is talking about this,,,, I think... and Yes they do make them New

**special-K** · 03-29-2018, 10:50 AM

Yes, a tie rod (assembly, including r&l tie rod ends) is the part that links the passenger side knuckle with the driver side knuckle that the steering arm is mounted to, that the draglink moves by way of the pitman arm connected to the sector shaft out of the steering box. As KW Mech said, and I suggest, you can buy the later "tie rod" which has both (tie rod) ends replaceable. That is GM's improvement for better servicing.

**special-K** · 04-11-2018, 09:57 PM

'72-up

**kwmech** · 04-11-2018, 10:30 PM

With the top taper knuckles you may have to see if the tubing will clear the bottom of the leaf springs when you install the later model tie rod system. But if that works the tapered hole for the steering shock will be on wrong side, you may have to have the hole re-tapered. OR you can use the top taper tie rod ends and have a piece of tube threaded. Then get a steering shock kit that has the small u-bolts to go around the tubing

**special-K** · 04-14-2018, 08:17 AM

I always run the horizontal dual steering stabilizers with wide tires anyway. Started out using stacked dual stabilizers when that was all that was available

Moline · 09-06-2018, 10:09 PM

Mines bent on my 70. Can I just straighten it out or is that a no-no?

**Stocker** · 09-07-2018, 12:56 PM

I wouldn't try to straighten it. It's already been bent, so the metal has been weakened. If you absolutely had to re-use it, weld a section of angle iron to it lengthwise for reinforcement to help prevent further bending.
For all that trouble, though.... just do it right and buy a new one.

**First c10** · 09-10-2018, 10:04 AM

What year front axle is it?

03-27-2018, 07:32 PM	#1
bhammer Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 97	Used Center Link?? Soooo, I have a 72 GMC 4x4 SWB that I am rebuilding. I got the frame worked up and threw some tough country lifted springs on it with a 4" lift. My question is the steering center link. I had to get a donor one from another truck as my original was damaged. Since they do not make these new, is it acceptable to use a used one, replacing the tie rod end on the end that you can? One end is solid and does not come out, the other can be replaced. Tough to see in this picture, don't have a better one at the moment. Any advice? Brian Attached Images

03-27-2018, 08:42 PM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: Used Center Link?? What you propose will do just fine

03-27-2018, 09:24 PM	#3
GSP7 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 652	Re: Used Center Link?? What do you mean by Center link ? The whole tie rod Rock auto has them https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...e+rod+end,7428 __________________ '81 K20 Silverado , '99 Dodge Cummins 4x4, '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4, Pinstriping-Lettering-Specialty Painting

03-28-2018, 12:45 AM	#5
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: Used Center Link?? It is not a permanent tie rod. That is the tie rod end, it just happens to be 3-1/2' long. You can update to a later model style with the center tube and the shorter ends also if you want.

03-28-2018, 08:21 AM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Used Center Link?? There is no center link in this design. That is the tie rod. That is how the ends got to be called "tie rod ends". The only reason to ever replace the tie rod itself is if it is bent or the threads get damaged. I had munged up threads in the '72 K/20 Cheyenne Super I had and used the NOS one I had bought for a Blazer with a bent one. I ended up using a used one on that. Kicking my butt for using that and not a used one now. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-29-2018, 10:50 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Used Center Link?? Yes, a tie rod (assembly, including r&l tie rod ends) is the part that links the passenger side knuckle with the driver side knuckle that the steering arm is mounted to, that the draglink moves by way of the pitman arm connected to the sector shaft out of the steering box. As KW Mech said, and I suggest, you can buy the later "tie rod" which has both (tie rod) ends replaceable. That is GM's improvement for better servicing. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 03-30-2018 at 06:57 AM.

04-11-2018, 09:57 PM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Used Center Link?? '72-up __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-11-2018, 10:30 PM	#11
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: Used Center Link?? With the top taper knuckles you may have to see if the tubing will clear the bottom of the leaf springs when you install the later model tie rod system. But if that works the tapered hole for the steering shock will be on wrong side, you may have to have the hole re-tapered. OR you can use the top taper tie rod ends and have a piece of tube threaded. Then get a steering shock kit that has the small u-bolts to go around the tubing

04-14-2018, 08:17 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Used Center Link?? I always run the horizontal dual steering stabilizers with wide tires anyway. Started out using stacked dual stabilizers when that was all that was available __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-06-2018, 10:09 PM	#13
Moline Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Grande Prairie Alberta Canada Posts: 23	Re: Used Center Link?? Mines bent on my 70. Can I just straighten it out or is that a no-no?

09-07-2018, 12:56 PM	#14
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	Re: Used Center Link?? I wouldn't try to straighten it. It's already been bent, so the metal has been weakened. If you absolutely had to re-use it, weld a section of angle iron to it lengthwise for reinforcement to help prevent further bending. For all that trouble, though.... just do it right and buy a new one. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

09-10-2018, 10:04 AM	#15
First c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Banos CA Posts: 2,705	Re: Used Center Link?? What year front axle is it? __________________ 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door 1956 Chevy 210 4 Door 1970 K20 LWB project the Hulk build w/Supercharged 4.8L-ly2/4L60E HULK BUILD 1970 C10 Yellow/White Deluxe LWB w/ 5.3L-LC9/6L80E 1968 K10 LWB Dark green my son calls it "THE HULK Jr"HULK JR SOLD GO GO!!!

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