Center link problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sb69chevy · 08-07-2010, 12:49 AM

Hi to all...haven't been on here in quite awhile and need some direction from the pros on this one.

Took the truck in to be aligned and they found some issues:
1. Apparently, the center link has been wallowed out some by a loose pitman arm. Are these reproduced? If not, how do I fix this?
2. Need lower control arm shaft kits.
3. Need new pitman arm.

I realize #s 2 and 3 are readily available, but #1 has me concerned on where to find it.

(69 chevy w/ ps and 5-lug conversion from 71, I believe)

Thanks in advance for any input.

dwcsr · 08-07-2010, 01:52 AM

Junk yard time or maybe someone here has one laying around. They don't make the center link anymore.

sb69chevy · 08-07-2010, 01:58 AM

thanks, that's what i was afraid of, just thought maybe someone had come across an aftermarket piece somewhere.

When searching for a replacement, will any from these model truck work as long as its from a PS truck, or must it come from a 71?

dwcsr · 08-07-2010, 02:11 AM

Not sure, I would go to rockauto.com and look up the inner tie rods, idler arm and pitman are and see if they are the same or what years are the same. That suspension was almost the same up to 87 so you may luck out

Rideto100 · 08-07-2010, 02:19 AM

Since you're in Springfield you might try CST Truck parts in Aurora as he usually has stuff like that on hand. I don't have his number with me right now but if you need it PM me and I can get it when I get home later this morning.

Andy4639 · 08-07-2010, 05:58 AM

Just did a google search. I would try these out.
One of the vendor's here may even carry them also. The center link shouldn't be that bad to find. It may be for a differant year but as long as the tie rods will work with it is the main thing and the over all lenght is correct for the year you have.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1

myoldchevytruck · 08-07-2010, 06:07 AM

So you have a 69' truck and you believe you have a 71' front end parts? Do you have a disk brake conversion from drums? If so, and if it's from a 71', then yes there is a difference. The 67-70's are the same and the 71-72's are the same. The 71-72 center links have a different taper than the earlier 67-70 trucks. As stated by dwcsr, they don't reproduce them any more. junkyard, doner truck or become a subscribed member (the best $25 you'll ever spend) and theres a few members parting trucks out in the Parts For Sale Section. I'm sure you'll find one there.

sb69chevy · 08-08-2010, 12:38 PM

Thanks again for all responses. Yes, it does have disk brakes. I'll see if I can find a local 71-72 donor. Either way, i'll be becoming a subscriber soon.

08-07-2010, 01:52 AM	#2
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: Center link problem Junk yard time or maybe someone here has one laying around. They don't make the center link anymore.

08-07-2010, 01:58 AM	#3
sb69chevy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 375	Re: Center link problem thanks, that's what i was afraid of, just thought maybe someone had come across an aftermarket piece somewhere. When searching for a replacement, will any from these model truck work as long as its from a PS truck, or must it come from a 71? __________________ 1969 C/10 swb, 350, powerglide (daily driver) 2005 CRV (wife's ride)

08-07-2010, 02:11 AM	#4
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: Center link problem Not sure, I would go to rockauto.com and look up the inner tie rods, idler arm and pitman are and see if they are the same or what years are the same. That suspension was almost the same up to 87 so you may luck out

08-07-2010, 02:19 AM	#5
Rideto100 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Republic, Missouri Posts: 44	Re: Center link problem Since you're in Springfield you might try CST Truck parts in Aurora as he usually has stuff like that on hand. I don't have his number with me right now but if you need it PM me and I can get it when I get home later this morning.

08-07-2010, 05:58 AM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Center link problem Just did a google search. I would try these out. One of the vendor's here may even carry them also. The center link shouldn't be that bad to find. It may be for a differant year but as long as the tie rods will work with it is the main thing and the over all lenght is correct for the year you have. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1 __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-07-2010, 12:49 AM	#1
sb69chevy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 375	Center link problem Hi to all...haven't been on here in quite awhile and need some direction from the pros on this one. Took the truck in to be aligned and they found some issues: 1. Apparently, the center link has been wallowed out some by a loose pitman arm. Are these reproduced? If not, how do I fix this? 2. Need lower control arm shaft kits. 3. Need new pitman arm. I realize #s 2 and 3 are readily available, but #1 has me concerned on where to find it. (69 chevy w/ ps and 5-lug conversion from 71, I believe) Thanks in advance for any input. __________________ 1969 C/10 swb, 350, powerglide (daily driver) 2005 CRV (wife's ride)

08-07-2010, 06:07 AM	#7
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Center link problem So you have a 69' truck and you believe you have a 71' front end parts? Do you have a disk brake conversion from drums? If so, and if it's from a 71', then yes there is a difference. The 67-70's are the same and the 71-72's are the same. The 71-72 center links have a different taper than the earlier 67-70 trucks. As stated by dwcsr, they don't reproduce them any more. junkyard, doner truck or become a subscribed member (the best $25 you'll ever spend) and theres a few members parting trucks out in the Parts For Sale Section. I'm sure you'll find one there. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

08-08-2010, 12:38 PM	#8
sb69chevy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 375	Re: Center link problem Thanks again for all responses. Yes, it does have disk brakes. I'll see if I can find a local 71-72 donor. Either way, i'll be becoming a subscriber soon. __________________ 1969 C/10 swb, 350, powerglide (daily driver) 2005 CRV (wife's ride)



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