checking cross shafts for wear - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Stroker · 04-07-2002, 04:25 PM

I'm in the process of rebuilding the suspension and steering on my 72 1/2ton Chevy. I have the parts to replace everything exept the upper and lower control arms, cross shafts, and the drag link. Do these generally wear out? The truck has about 110,000 miles on it. I want it to be good and tight when it gets back on the road. Also anyone know any good sources to get replacement parts if needed. Thanks in advance....Stroker

ebfabman · 04-07-2002, 04:54 PM

The upper control arm shafts can have wear and can be worn to the point that new bushings will not take up the "slack"

I would recommend replacing the shafts and bushings at the same time. The upper control arm bushings "kits" can be bought at most any auto parts store at a fairly inexpensive price. Its worth the effort.
Try this link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/board/ub...ML/000007.html

[This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited April 07, 2002).]

*Fast68Chevy* · 04-07-2002, 06:05 PM

i assume you are speaking about 2wd truck
clear up some things first:
what is referred to as a drag link in a car is actually called a center link in trucks

center link does not have joints as part of it, only car drag links and fors trucks do, center link is just a simple metal bar with four holes in it.

tie rod ends and pitman arm and idler arm are the components that have the joints on them that pass through the center link holes.

------------------
Randy- Lincoln, IL
r68c30@hotmail.com

71 C-10, trying to assemble....sigh..
parting out 5.0LTPI '81 cutlass supreme brougham
*Paint is overrated
© RSS Enterprises 2000

*Gee_Emm* · 04-07-2002, 07:48 PM

What is the expected life span on the cross shafts, upper and lower?

I took my truck in for an aligment and they wouldnt do it because they said that I had 3/16 play in the upper shafts.

------------------
1969 Chevrolet Custom Camper 20 350/400 70k original miles

They have the Internet on Computers now? --Homer Simpson

Gee_Emm's Page

Help me get my truck on a soda bottle!!!!!

[This message has been edited by Gee_Emm (edited April 07, 2002).]

ebfabman · 04-07-2002, 07:58 PM

If you can keep them greased, they should last a long time. Some trucks that have been in mostly continuous use still have good suspension.
Personally I like synthetic grease, but any good grease is good. Just keep the suspension greased, like every oil change.

[This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited April 07, 2002).]

04-07-2002, 04:25 PM	#1
Stroker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Moore, Ok Posts: 1,149	checking cross shafts for wear I'm in the process of rebuilding the suspension and steering on my 72 1/2ton Chevy. I have the parts to replace everything exept the upper and lower control arms, cross shafts, and the drag link. Do these generally wear out? The truck has about 110,000 miles on it. I want it to be good and tight when it gets back on the road. Also anyone know any good sources to get replacement parts if needed. Thanks in advance....Stroker __________________ 72 SWB parts and pieces Oklahoma

04-07-2002, 04:54 PM	#2
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	The upper control arm shafts can have wear and can be worn to the point that new bushings will not take up the "slack" I would recommend replacing the shafts and bushings at the same time. The upper control arm bushings "kits" can be bought at most any auto parts store at a fairly inexpensive price. Its worth the effort. Try this link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/board/ub...ML/000007.html [This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited April 07, 2002).]

04-07-2002, 06:05 PM	#3
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	i assume you are speaking about 2wd truck clear up some things first: what is referred to as a drag link in a car is actually called a center link in trucks center link does not have joints as part of it, only car drag links and fors trucks do, center link is just a simple metal bar with four holes in it. tie rod ends and pitman arm and idler arm are the components that have the joints on them that pass through the center link holes. ------------------ Randy- Lincoln, IL r68c30@hotmail.com 71 C-10, trying to assemble....sigh.. parting out 5.0LTPI '81 cutlass supreme brougham *Paint is overrated © RSS Enterprises 2000

04-07-2002, 07:48 PM	#4
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	What is the expected life span on the cross shafts, upper and lower? I took my truck in for an aligment and they wouldnt do it because they said that I had 3/16 play in the upper shafts. ------------------ 1969 Chevrolet Custom Camper 20 350/400 70k original miles They have the Internet on Computers now? --Homer Simpson Gee_Emm's Page Help me get my truck on a soda bottle!!!!! [This message has been edited by Gee_Emm (edited April 07, 2002).]

04-07-2002, 07:58 PM	#5
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	If you can keep them greased, they should last a long time. Some trucks that have been in mostly continuous use still have good suspension. Personally I like synthetic grease, but any good grease is good. Just keep the suspension greased, like every oil change. [This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited April 07, 2002).]



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