That is the back side of the pitman arm ball which you would have to grind off to drive the ball out.
I would replace the old tie rod ends and the old pitman rod end with the newer style, if you are trying to make the front end of your truck drive better and steer better. It did wonders for my 37 pickup, but it is not the correct thing to do if you are trying to restore the truck back to it's original state.
If you are trying to improve "drive-ability", the fouth spot to change to a modern tie rod end would be where the drag link attaches to the steering arm on the back of the left wheel backing plate. That way, you have new, tight joints at all spots. The thing you might run into is the ability to center the steering wheel correctly. This will necesitate the use of a short "tie rod" as a drag link, so you can adust the straightness of the front wheels with the position of the steering wheel. I believe some of the vendors sell a drag link of this nature. I made mine by cutting down a regular long tie rod I got at a wrecking yard and making one the length I needed. I was very successful with this venture and my truck really, honestly drives like a dream and straight as an arrow with no problems. Radial tires help, too!
Good luck!
Last edited by 6cylindersovertexas; 03/04/2010 5:23 AM.
