Howdy gents. I'm wondering if I have a center drag link that is non-restorable. (Please forgive the newbie-nature of the questions). You may recall I have my subframe off and am doing a disk brake conversion and generally going through everything. Am ready to rebuild the sub-frame and am wondering about my steering linkage.

I guess question #1 is, should one just always replace the steering linkage that is 40 years old if you're doing a retoration? I don't want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish, but I don't want to spend more dough than I have to.

I've ordered inner and outer tie rods with adjusting sleeves, but I though my idler arm and center drag link looked to be in good shape (and just happened to be relatively expensive) and was hoping to restore them (clean, paint, etc.).

So to my next question: should both ball joints on the center drag link move smoothly or with difficulty? One joint (the one that connects to the idler arm) moves quite smoothly in 360 degrees and I can pump grease into the zirk fitting. The other joint (that attaches to the pittman arm doesn't move at all nor can I get any grease to go inside. My gut tells me that ain't good, but then again, I don't know if that end should pivot or just stay in place.

To summarize:
* Always replace all steering linkage during a resto?
* Any point in restoring idler arm and center link?
* Based on my explanation, does my center drag link sound bad?

Thanks a bunch.
Tom

I always replace all steering and all brake components that can deteriorate every time I purchase a car and prepare it for the road. Period. My life depends on these parts and the cost to replace is small compared to the cost of recovery.

That includes ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman arm on '68, and center drag link on '69.

Sounds like your center link could use to be replaced regardless if it's always good idea or not. It wouldn't hurt to do the idler at the same time. Weakest link and all that. Be careful, I hear there are two different sizes of center links. A small one for six bangers and a larger one for V8s.

Vikki gave the best advice in this situation. It is better to spend some extra money now to ensure your safety later, replace the 40 year old parts.

Thanks for the info. I am going to spring for the entire steering linkage.

I noticed that Classic Industries don't carry the 69 center link. Does anybody have a good source for this part?

Thanks again.
Tom

http://rareparts.bytedesigns.com/ez/shopdisplayproducts.asp

Click the link then on the left side of the screen where it drills down the car, click on Steering, then ensure at least one item is checked and click the big click here button.

Thanks, Yellowbird. "Betty" is quite jealous of Vikki. Just saying.

You could even probably pick up the part on your way home from the office. I think they are still in Stockton.