71+ Disk Brakes with 67 manual steering

[ulakovic22]

I couldn't find the right thread for me to post my info so I thought I would just make a new one. I have a 67 with drums brakes. I was going to switch to power steering and disk brakes but didn't feel like clearancing the frame or trying to setup my engine with a pump so I ordered a set of tie rod sleeves from Performance Online that are threaded smaller on the inside and larger on the outside. This allows you to run a 71+ outer tie rod with a 67 inner tie rod.

There is one hang up though that I just found out tonight. The 67 inner tie rod (ES-370R) is right hand threaded and won't work with the sleeve. Lucky for me the outer tie rod is the same length and thread, but it's an outer tie rod (ES-350L). The only difference I saw that might be an issue was the overall length of the joint. The threaded portion of the ball joint was the same, but the replacement inner had a little nipple on the end of it where as the replacement outer didn't. I'll report back tomorrow with pics and fitment issues if there are any.

[N2TRUX]

Keep us posted. In most cases I think everyone would prefer to go with power steering when they upgrade, but there is always someone like yourself that prefers to keep it simple.

[ulakovic22]

Put it together tonight and everything fits together nicely. Only issue is the placement of the grease fittings. I'm going to put some 90* fittings on there but other than that I'm pleased. Now I only have to run and alternator on the engine.

[N2TRUX]

Kinda tight but it looks like it worked...

[ElkyRacer]

PERFECT! This is what I have been looking for. After scouring the Moog book at the parts store to see what interchanges with what year model wise, I found that I was running into a dead end! Ill be giving them a call on friday!

[SCOTI]

I swapped 75 disc brakes onto my 68 w/o power steering & didn't need tie-rod adapters. I used post-73 inner/outer tie-rods, post-73 drag link, & the stock, original 68 pitman & idler arms.

[ulakovic22]

I didn't know that the drag link would work with the idler and drop pitman arms, good info. This is my first truck so I'm not that well versed yet.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ulakovic22

I didn't know that the drag link would work with the idler and drop pitman arms, good info. This is my first truck so I'm not that well versed yet.

I looked up the P/N's for a manual steering equipped 73-78 GM truck (pitman/idler arms) & they were the same.

[ElkyRacer]

Exactly what SCOTI said, all the 60-66 stuff has smaller threads on the tie rod ends. When the bodystyle changed most of that stuff became larger and more interchangeable.