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#1396769 02/11/2021 4:29 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 65
X
'Bolter
'Bolter
X Offline
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 65
Hey all,
After reading through Jim's tech article about updating to a modern drag link found here: https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/draglink_adjustable.html I decided to go and do it on my truck.
The ball studs were pretty egg shaped, so while the steering box was already out, might as well do it.
I used a non adjustable drag link from a 53+ Truck. An ACDELCO 45B0000, found here on Rockauto https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=673947&jsn=1
I had to ream out the hole in the pitman arm to accommodate the new drag link. The steering knuckle has a bigger hole, so I had to make a little sleeve to keep it tight. All in all it turned out great.
Between this new drag link and a my rebuild steering box, there is no slop left in the steering. Can't wait to drive it!
Hope these videos help anyone else looking to try this upgrade.

Removing the pitman arm ball stud part 1
Recap on the pitman arm, steering knuckle ball stud removal
Re-installation and completion

Last edited by Gdads51; 10/11/2024 12:53 PM. Reason: fix embedded video links

1949 GMC FC253 - 1 Ton Dually
1966 Buick Wildcat Convertible
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,096
E
Crusing in the Passing Lane
Crusing in the Passing Lane
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,096
Most if not all Pittman arms from Saginaw boxes have a skip spline every 90 degrees, so one can easily switch arms for convenience. If not, a 3 cornered small file can take care of centering arms in the middle.

Ed


'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 65
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 65
Hi Ed -
Good to know, thanks for the info!
Greg


1949 GMC FC253 - 1 Ton Dually
1966 Buick Wildcat Convertible
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 33
S
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 33
Hey xgregx

I am getting ready to follow your path on replacing the old drag link type with the new one as per your video, great job BTW. The balls are fine but there is wear just underneath that I don't like. I have a 1 1/2 Ton but the components are the same as yours as far as I can tell. Any "If had to do it again" thoughts

Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 65
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 65
Hey Skydog,
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. If I were to do it again, I would measure the stud diameters on both ball studs, rather than assume they were the same. It all worked out though. As you probably saw in the videos, I had to enlarge one hole with a reamer, and shim the other because it was bigger than the stud. Glad I test fitted both first before reaming the larger hole. Good luck with your upgrade!
Greg


1949 GMC FC253 - 1 Ton Dually
1966 Buick Wildcat Convertible

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