Steering/suspension help

[ccautoupholstery]

I have a 67 c10, Upgraded to disc brakes from a 71 as well as power steering. I replaced ball joints, Pitman and idler arms. I was told I dont need to replace the center link but when going to mount the new tie rods it doesnt seem correct. I've tried loading pictures but,my,phone isn't letting me. Any help or maybe even pics of your 71 steering/suspension would be greatly appreciated. This is my last step before an alignment and actually driving her again

[Ghost's68]

I’m almost certain you need to replace the center link. I have a 68 that I installed the 73-87 style brakes and I had to use all suspension parts from the 73+ models. I went to a junkyard to find a center link since you can’t purchase them anymore.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by ccautoupholstery

I have a 67 c10, Upgraded to disc brakes from a 71 as well as power steering. I replaced ball joints, Pitman and idler arms. I was told I dont need to replace the center link but when going to mount the new tie rods it doesnt seem correct. I've tried loading pictures but,my,phone isn't letting me. Any help or maybe even pics of your 71 steering/suspension would be greatly appreciated. This is my last step before an alignment and actually driving her again

Here's your problem.
67-70 tie rods are 5/8" diameter.
71-72 and 73-87 tie rods are 11/16" diameter.
The outers are also the wrong thread direction.
(63-70 outers are LH thread. 71-87 outers are RH thread.


You can do 3 things:
1) switch to a 71-72 center link and use 71-72 inner and outer tie rods.

2) switch to a 73-87 centerlink (easier to find than the 71-72 version) and use 73-87 inner tie rods and 71-72 outer tie rods.

3) put your 67 outer tie rods in the "inner location" on your 67 centerlink.
Use a aftermarket tie rod sleeve that adapts from 5/8" thread to 11/16" thread.
(CPP and POL sells these for around $60)
Then install 71-72 outer tie rods.

[ccautoupholstery]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Here's your problem.
67-70 tie rods are 5/8" diameter.
71-72 and 73-87 tie rods are 11/16" diameter.
The outers are also the wrong thread direction.
(63-70 outers are LH thread. 71-87 outers are RH thread.


You can do 3 things:
1) switch to a 71-72 center link and use 71-72 inner and outer tie rods.

2) switch to a 73-87 centerlink (easier to find than the 71-72 version) and use 73-87 inner tie rods and 71-72 outer tie rods.

3) put your 67 outer tie rods in the "inner location" on your 67 centerlink.
Use a aftermarket tie rod sleeve that adapts from 5/8" thread to 11/16" thread.
(CPP and POL sells these for around $60)
Then install 71-72 outer tie rods.

Thank you. Now I guess my next question, would you happen to have a good source for the 71-72 center link? I already have inner and outer tie rods for 71-72

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by ccautoupholstery

Thank you. Now I guess my next question, would you happen to have a good source for the 71-72 center link? I already have inner and outer tie rods for 71-72

No one that I know of makes them new.
You need to source a used one.
And 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton are different.

[ccautoupholstery]

Originally Posted by lolife99

No one that I know of makes them new.
You need to source a used one.
And 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton are different.

I'm sure the answer is probably a no...but is the only difference in center link from 67 and the 71-72 the size hole for the inner tie rods? Or overall different shape/dimensions?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by ccautoupholstery

I'm sure the answer is probably a no...but is the only difference in center link from 67 and the 71-72 the size hole for the inner tie rods? Or overall different shape/dimensions?

Yes the hole size is different.
I’m not sure if the angle of the taper is the same or not.

[ccautoupholstery]

After seeing an old post of a 71 center link for sale and looking under the truck again in daylight, it looks like the same design/angles, just a bigger hole for the 71 tie rods so I am headed to my machine shop buddy and hoping this works...I just want to drive the damn thing again!!

[mibo]

Could I use a 63 pitman arm with a 72 centerlink and then use 72 tie rods to match up with my 72 brakes and spindles?