The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1955 2nd GMC Steering set up

Two questions:

Can anyone send a picture or reference a (diagram) on where I can find the right set-up for the tie-rod and drag link (drivers side). I am wondering if mine is backwards? Does the u-shape portion go towards the front the back?

Also, how do you get the old ball joints out to replace with a new set-up?

I am a novice mechanic and my terminology might also be wrong.

Thanks.

There should not be ball joints on a '55 GMC. If yours has it your suspension has been changed.

Start here

You can look through this for help. Click "contents" for the complete manual sections listing. If you don't have a manual, mark this page for future reference.

Are you referring to the joints on the drag link. They have a ball stud in them but as you stated, "ball joint" is an incorrect description. I am not sure what yours uses but the older trucks used a tube that had a threaded plug on each end. You remove the plug, pull out the cup and spring and then you can separate the joint.

I guess am referring to the ball stud on the back portion of the steering arm where the tie rod is attached. Do you remove these? If so, how?

I purchased a new set-up from LMC (tie rod and tie rod end). What is also confusing is that the steering arm set-up shown in the LMC catalogue (page 86) is opposite of that shown in the manual (i.e., with the curved parts of the steering arm reversed). I assume the GMC maintenance manual is correct.

I appreciated the replies thus far.

katz,
I am looking at my Canadian manual for the 1955 second series. It states that on the 1/2 Ton models, there is an adjustable type tie rod end used. Now, this has the large slot screw plug in the end. If this is your setup, the joint comes apart by removing the plug and the outer contents. The ball can then be moved and popped out through the hole. Now, if you are replacing the whole tie rod assembly with the modern setup, the ball stud needs to be removed. The stud is permanently mounted in the steering arm with a shank that goes through and is swaged on the other side. The method for getting them apart is to grind off the swaged area and press it out. However I think you will find that the back side of the hole has a small channel or step inside and the swaged material fills this up. So the secret is to counter bore very slightly into the hole and then press it out. You want to make sure that the new setup from LMC has the correct diameter and that the shaft is not tapered.

Here is the method for removing the ball stud. Tech Tip The hint or secret is right at the end of the tip regarding the tiny chamfer.

There are some posts on removing these ball studs. As far as correct information, I would trust the manual first, always.

truckernix, thanks for the information and the link. I will give this a try! I appreciate the help>

Thanks. Got one out (passenger side). Now for the driver side.