Thanks for the advice
Progress was made last night. Started cleaning up the frame rails now that they are free from all the steering components
Also started cleaning up the steering components.
I have ordered some parts for the truck. I was an optimist and thought that the 1/2 ton tie rod ends could be used on the 3/4 ton. Take note, THEY DO NOT FIT. The 1/2 tons are 9/16 and the 3/4 ton are 11/16.
So far I thought Chevy crossed over a lot of parts so one would think that they would have used the 1/2 ton OR the 1 ton components. Nope the 3/4 ton have ball joints of their own. And I can't find any modern replacement.
SO starting the brain storming. I believe that if a wearable item is going to be used, it should be easily found off the shelf. Not hard to hunt down.
It looks like the 1 ton and the 1.5 ton tie rod ends work HOWEVER I need the Tie Rod bar... The reason is because the 1 ton tie rod ends are Male and the 3/4 ton tie rods ends are female. And they are right to my surprise, you CAN find the tie rods online for these old trucks pretty easily. They must have crossed over from another truck. However I can't find the tie rod bar.
There is a right and a left so I am wondering if one of them is a reverse thread so you can aligning the wheels easier.
SO the hold up is either finding a 1 ton bar (which is pretty hard to find) or trying to make one. Only lead for making one is a description of the thread of .812 x 18 inch (again checking if one is reverse thread.) THEN it is having it machined because I can't find a sleeve.
The other idea
finding 1/2 ton spindle to tie rod brackets (don't remember what they are specifically called) because the spindle holes are the same.
The 1/2 ton tie rod ends are available and so is the bar
However I don't like the idea downgrading, I rather toughen up the suspension with heavier duty components if possible.
Last edited by Peggy M; 08/31/2023 6:22 PM.
