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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 | Hi All - planning to reassemble front end and looks like all the ball studs are worn. I have a choice of parts between 1952 and from a 1954 donor. Is the "modern"-style drag link on the 54 better?
Can everything interchange? It seems that the 54 drag link, 54 pittman arm, and 54 left steering arm might go together, since those studs and holes are tapered. However, one old post said the 54's modern style drag link and third arm are different lengths from the 52, which sounds bad.
52 3100 project
54 3100 / 3112 ice cream truck, next project
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 | I thought there would be more response to this.
If I had a choice I would choose the 54 style. Not everyone is set up to change the balls. The later style is a no brainer, and if lubed regularly will last a life time.
I see no reason this will not work as long as all the 54 parts are used.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 | Hi all To confirm: for 1953, 1954, and 1955/first, the draglink, pittman arm and steering arm must interchange as a set, because those years the pivots have tapered shafts, correct? Question: to make an adjustable drag link for 53,54,55, does anyone know of a tie rod set with the matching taper on the shaft? The idea here is to do Jim Wilson's tech tip, but using the existing taper to avoid reaming. Has anyone made an adjustable drag link on a 53 54 55 and have a part number? http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/draglink_adjustable.html
52 3100 project
54 3100 / 3112 ice cream truck, next project
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,597 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,597 | I believe the extra length is only 1/4". | | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 | Interesting. If the 54 left arm is longer, sounds safer to swap the 54 right steering arm along with it. Both have different part numbers starting in 53 (though the right looks the same as earlier ones).
52 3100 project
54 3100 / 3112 ice cream truck, next project
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,903 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,903 | Straight holes can be reamed with a 7° reamer. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Tapered-Ball-Joint-Reamer-7-Degree,2918.html?sku=91089411&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=CSEGoogle&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&catargetid=530009170000137591&cadevice=c&gclid=COy0taHDk8YCFYaQHwod7IsAwg I have no problem with cutting a drag link and welding a sleeve over it. We used to install Air-O-Matic steering on our trucks. http://www.maradyne.com/product-line/air-o-maticIt is installed by cutting the drag link and welding in a sensor. | | |
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