Newb Steering Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ADub · 12-31-2010, 03:11 PM

I recently picked up a 69 swb C10. Currently going through it fixing small issues and noticed that the steering centerlink is resting on the engine cradle. The truck sits lower than stock, though I don't think the front is lowered. I think the front springs are just old. Rear has similar old springs, but also has 2" lowering blocks.

Is this normal?

ADub · 12-31-2010, 08:41 PM

Tried searching without any luck

**oldgold70c10** · 01-01-2011, 02:34 AM

Centerlink in backwards.

ADub · 01-01-2011, 09:42 AM

Thanks OldGold. When I flip it around, to the inner tie rods still connect on the engine side or should I move them to the front?

Hubscrub · 01-01-2011, 10:26 AM

here is a couple of pics for ref.

ADub · 01-01-2011, 10:51 AM

Thanks. Hopefully get it sorted out today

Tx Firefighter · 01-01-2011, 10:52 AM

Centerlink isn't backwards. The holes for the idler arm, pitman arm, and tie rod ends are tapered. No way to put it in backwards.

ADub · 01-01-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Centerlink isn't backwards. The holes for the idler arm, pitman arm, and tie rod ends are tapered. No way to put it in backwards.

I considered that, but don't hold out hope that the P/O had any common sense. I will take a closer look shortly.

ADub · 01-01-2011, 01:14 PM

Based on the pics hubscrub posted, its not installed backwards. I also checked the cradle bolts and theres no signs that they are causing the problem

Were there different pitman/idler lengths available based on the year or options? Maybe its got the wrong parts installed?

**oldgold70c10** · 01-02-2011, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Centerlink isn't backwards. The holes for the idler arm, pitman arm, and tie rod ends are tapered. No way to put it in backwards.

Your right. I was just looking at some pics of ones that were installed backwards, and the tie rods are in front of the center link. His center link looks kinda odd in that it doesn't seem to have the offsets on the ends.

Here is a picture of the centerlink on my own truck. It has enough room to stick a finger between the centerlink and crossmember.

ADub · 01-02-2011, 10:30 AM

My picture doesnt show it well, but my centerlink does have the offsets and its installed in the same orientation as yours.

I looked up all the part numbers for idler arms between the years and they are all the same (67-72). So Im stumped as to why the centerlink is resting on the cradle.

**oldgold70c10** · 01-02-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADub

My picture doesnt show it well, but my centerlink does have the offsets and its installed in the same orientation as yours.

I looked up all the part numbers for idler arms between the years and they are all the same (67-72). So Im stumped as to why the centerlink is resting on the cradle.

Okay. Does it offset up and to the back? Does anything else look odd-maybe a bent or incorrectly installed idler arm?

ADub · 01-02-2011, 01:08 PM

If I understand your questions correctly, yes the centerlink is offset up and towards the rear of the truck relative to the ears that connect to the idler/pitman arm.

The idler and pitman are in decent shape and nothing stands out to me as messed up.

SIXT8LOU · 11-19-2016, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADub

If I understand your questions correctly, yes the centerlink is offset up and towards the rear of the truck relative to the ears that connect to the idler/pitman arm.

The idler and pitman are in decent shape and nothing stands out to me as messed up.

hello i know this is a old thread, but did you ever find the problem? Iam having the same problem,,,the link is resting on the cradle...thanks i appreciate it..

**68bowtie** · 11-19-2016, 01:34 AM

hey there lou. here's a pic of how it should look...

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SIXT8LOU · 11-19-2016, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

hey there lou. here's a pic of how it should look...

Attachment 1591494

hey hows it going,,thanks for the reply, i will get a pic later today and post mine, but it is sitting just a bit above yours,,,so its resting on the crossmember, iam pretty sure its correctly installed....lol thanks..

ADub · 11-29-2016, 04:39 PM

Its been a long time, if I remember correctly that first center link was tweaked and I obtained another center link. Its still close to the xmember, but doesnt touch except when the pitman arm starts coming apart on Hot Rod Power Tour.....

SIXT8LOU · 11-30-2016, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADub

Its been a long time, if I remember correctly that first center link was tweaked and I obtained another center link. Its still close to the xmember, but doesnt touch except when the pitman arm starts coming apart on Hot Rod Power Tour.....

thanks ,, i really havent fixed the problem,,,i have it all tightened down and it still is rubbing on crossmember...is it possible that i have it too low,,,i have 2.5 drop spindles with 4inch lowering coils....which i think cud be problem. thanks again...

ADub · 12-01-2016, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIXT8LOU

thanks ,, i really havent fixed the problem,,,i have it all tightened down and it still is rubbing on crossmember...is it possible that i have it too low,,,i have 2.5 drop spindles with 4inch lowering coils....which i think cud be problem. thanks again...

Your suspension drop is not related to the centerlink clearance at that xmember. The centerlink position relative to the xmember is fixed based on front frame horns and pitman/idler arm. These frames get damaged over time, certainly possible the front frame horns are bent down

12-31-2010, 03:11 PM	#1
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Newb Steering Question I recently picked up a 69 swb C10. Currently going through it fixing small issues and noticed that the steering centerlink is resting on the engine cradle. The truck sits lower than stock, though I don't think the front is lowered. I think the front springs are just old. Rear has similar old springs, but also has 2" lowering blocks. Is this normal? Attached Images

12-31-2010, 08:41 PM	#2
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question Tried searching without any luck __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

01-01-2011, 02:34 AM	#3
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,025	Re: Newb Steering Question Centerlink in backwards. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

01-01-2011, 09:42 AM	#4
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question Thanks OldGold. When I flip it around, to the inner tie rods still connect on the engine side or should I move them to the front? __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

01-01-2011, 10:26 AM	#5
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Newb Steering Question here is a couple of pics for ref. Attached Images __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

01-01-2011, 10:51 AM	#6
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question Thanks. Hopefully get it sorted out today __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

01-01-2011, 10:52 AM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Newb Steering Question Centerlink isn't backwards. The holes for the idler arm, pitman arm, and tie rod ends are tapered. No way to put it in backwards. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-01-2011, 01:14 PM	#9
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question Based on the pics hubscrub posted, its not installed backwards. I also checked the cradle bolts and theres no signs that they are causing the problem Were there different pitman/idler lengths available based on the year or options? Maybe its got the wrong parts installed? __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd Last edited by ADub; 01-01-2011 at 01:14 PM.

01-02-2011, 10:30 AM	#11
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question My picture doesnt show it well, but my centerlink does have the offsets and its installed in the same orientation as yours. I looked up all the part numbers for idler arms between the years and they are all the same (67-72). So Im stumped as to why the centerlink is resting on the cradle. __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

01-02-2011, 01:08 PM	#13
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question If I understand your questions correctly, yes the centerlink is offset up and towards the rear of the truck relative to the ears that connect to the idler/pitman arm. The idler and pitman are in decent shape and nothing stands out to me as messed up. __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

11-19-2016, 01:34 AM	#15
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,804	Re: Newb Steering Question hey there lou. here's a pic of how it should look... __________________ Please help my sister in law with her battle with cancer https://gofund.me/902f6fce Thank you all so far you are angels!! Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) SOLD Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh) SOLD

11-29-2016, 04:39 PM	#17
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Newb Steering Question Its been a long time, if I remember correctly that first center link was tweaked and I obtained another center link. Its still close to the xmember, but doesnt touch except when the pitman arm starts coming apart on Hot Rod Power Tour..... __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd



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