The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Front end parts

Where can I get parts for the front end of my 72 5500 ? Specifically tie rod ends and drag link ?

Hy Svcattle, there are two different axles listed for that size of truck, we need to know which one you have to give you tie rod end part numbers. the drag link appears to be the same for both axles, that is listed as Moog p/n DS929, hope that helps.

Thank You how do I determine which axle I have?

According to what I could find your C5500 would have come with either a 5000 lb or 7000 lb front axle as standard equipment (see Chevy Master Parts Book extract). There were possibly other optional heavier duty axles available too.

The best way to determine which axle was installed on your truck is to locate and read your "Service Parts Identification Plate" decal that lists the equipment that was installed at the factory.

The following codes apply to your '72 C5500 to ID which front axle it has:

F43 = 9000 lb front axle (maybe optional)
F44 = 11000 lb front axle (maybe optional)
F47 = 5000 lb front axle (standard)
F48 = 7000 lb front axle (standard)

Let us know and we can try and help ID the steering components you seek to be sure to get the right ones.

Hi Gdads51 and guys, according to the Chevy Master Parts Book extract you posted, it looks like the 7000 lb. axle was only used with full air brakes (FAB), that is if I am reading it correctly. The tie rod ends for the 5000 lb. axle are OEM p/n 3864348 and 3864347 Moog p/ns ES330L and ES330R, Hope that helps.

Thank you

I will poll and see what I can find

3B - Thanks for the clarification on the "FAB" identifier. My brain just couldn't seem to connect the dots on what it stood for and I couldn't find the GM description to match the acronym in the reference book. Another great tidbit of information to file away for future use.

Does it take the same parts as the pickups ?

I've been able to find several parts for our older big trucks from Rare parts co.

Unfortunately pickup steering parts do not fit the Big Bolt applications.

BTW - Did you get a chance to look for the "Service Parts Identification Plate" (sticker/decal usually found on the inside of the glove box door) with the codes for your trucks front axle??? Once we know which axle it has, we can better try to help find the correct steering components.

I will get some more information soon . I looked up the part number in the other post and it came back fitting the pickups . I think I still have the spec sheet on the glove box door I will try to remember to look j

+1 for Rare Parts. They had the Moog #DS900 drag link for my '65 C60 in stock and it was $85. I had been looking for that part, literally over decades and had never found one.. they had 73 more of them in stock after I ordered two! Because when it comes to oddball parts like that for these old rigs, two is one and one is none.

Finally got more information

Thanks for posting the tag info. I'm traveling at the moment and not where I can get to my resource books.

Once I get settled back home tomorrow night I'll take this info and research to see where it leads.

More to come...

Thanks . Not a big hurry

Finally getting a chance to get back here for an update with what I found after searching late last night using your VIN data stickers.

Both of your tags clearly indicate your truck is equipped with the standard 5,000lb front axle. With that confirmed, the tie rod end part number info posted above by Bolter "3B" is exactly correct for both the original GM#s and the MOOG replacements.

I did a bit of web searching on those numbers and found a few of both tie rod ends being offered in various places, for a range of prices. Here's the ones I found that seem to be the best deal:

NOS GM 3864347 LH Tie Rod End on ebay for $39.99 (best condition with added $12.03 shipping)

LEFT Tie Rod End GM 3864347 on ebay for $32.80 (not as good condition but with free shipping)

NOS RH Tie Rod End 3864348 on ebay for $30 (similar condition to 2nd L unit noted above w/$8 shipping)

MOOG NORS ES330L on ebay for $65 (there is an $8 off coupon till Feb 16th and $9.65 shipping)

New MOOG ES330R offered by Rock Auto for $22.79 + shipping (only MOOG RH tie rod end offered that I could find other than the GM part)

On your "drag link" a Chevy Master Parts Book from 1979 indicates that should be GM# 690286 (Parts Group 6.870 Connectng rod between steering pitman arm and axle spindle mounted steering arm). I found aftermarket replacement piece Part Numbers for MOOG DS929 and Spicer DS929. No alternative manufacturers or replacement parts found unfortunately. I'd suggest you contact Rare Parts Steering and Suspension as suggested by Bolter "John L" as probably the best possible chance of finding a replacement for that item.

Hope this info is helpful. Let us know how things go.

Thanks for all your work ! This helps a lot . I buy lots of stuff on eBay seems like they have about anything you want if you look a little bit.

Most welcome and always enjoy trying to help out a fellow Bolter. I enjoy the challenge of trying to track down parts, especially hard to find, and am glad to offer that help to anyone that can benefit from it.

Thank you I appreciate it really . Another question is should I have a Chevrolet steering wheel ?

For that style steering wheel, you should have one that says "GMC" like the one offered in this ebay ad. Screen grab pic below. They are color matched to the steering wheel, so this faded black one may or may not be right for your wheel???

Lots of others offered, including this reproduction from Classic Parts.