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| | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | I'm trying to covert my drag link on my 52 GMC 1/2 ton to a more modern version and I've ran into a snag. After tapering the hole on the pitman arm, I went to taper the hole on the steering arm and realized that this hole is larger (.70") and is too big for the connector on my new drag link. I did read about the set up that Jim Wilson posted on this site, but Napa didn't have access to one of the listed parts and he doesn't note anything about the different size holes. I'm wondering if the GMC steering arm is different than the Chevrolet? Any advise on how to move forward would be greatly appreciated!
47 Willys CJ2A
52 GMC 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 | So you removed ball studs from the pitman arm and the steering knuckle and the studs were different sizes?
Does your new drag link have replaceable tie rod ends? You may have to piece together one with different ends, or make the holes match and assemble your own. Many posts here where others have done that.
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone, you're starting to freak me out."
1957 GMC 150
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | Yes, the stud on the pitman arm is about .5" and the stud on the steering knuckle is about .7". Both sides of my new drag link from Jim Carter are the .5". I'll do some searches on this site to see what I can come up with. The drag link I bought does not have replaceable ends. Thanks for you help!
Last edited by hokiecarpenter; 05/21/2017 1:48 AM.
47 Willys CJ2A
52 GMC 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,763 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,763 | Several people have fabricated a home-brew adjustable drag link using a tie rod adjusting turnbuckle and a couple of tie rod ends that fit the Pitman arm and the steering knuckle, one with right hand and the other with left hand threads. That setup comes in very handy for setting the steering gear center point, also. You'll need to find an old geezer at a local parts store who still knows how to research parts from a paper steering parts catalog to make this type of project work. It's getting hard to find anybody other than a computer keyboard jockey in a parts store these days.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
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| | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | Thanks Jerry - I may know just the person to find these parts
47 Willys CJ2A
52 GMC 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2015 Posts: 203 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2015 Posts: 203 | I just installed mine. I ordered a 1-ton tie rod kit from RuffStuff. It features modern Moog 1-ton tie rod ends. It is a world better than the first one I made with smaller ends.
1953 GMC 1-Ton Pickup with 350 and 700R4
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