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68Gold/white · 09-13-2018, 07:01 PM

The center link has no joints in it, it can't go bad unless bent in wreck...or Gomer or Goob did something stupid to it.

Having disc brakes is great!!!

The 71 and 72 spindles are the same (just to make sure, trying to be helpful). The ball joint holes in the 71 and 72's are the same as the 73 and newer spindles. BUT the tie rod end holes are NOT the same size. The 71-2's are smaller. The Threaded ends of the tie rods (that the sleeves join to) are also smaller on the 71-2 tie rod ends.

I mention these things, because you could have a crazy combination of steering/brake parts, and not know it.

Do you have a dial caliper that you can measure the threaded (sleeve part) of a tie rod end? A wrench may work. Go to a parts store and ask to look at a (inner or outer) tie rod end for a 73-79 C-10 1/2 ton pickup. The 71-2 is considerably smaller. If the wrench for yours won't slide over a 73-up tie rod end, your stuff is likely (and I also say..hopefully) 71-72. That would give you a starting point.

The pitman arm is different on std steering form power because the manual box out put shaft is smaller.

There is a stud sticking out of the manual box (power steer has one too), with a jamb nut. Can you loosen the jamb nut and tighten the stud any (should take a flat blade screwdriver if like a stock unit). If it is loose, tighten it until you feel resistance. Do Not tighten it tight. Tighten it at the point of contact, and tighten the jamb nut, tight.

If that does not resolve at least most of your steering slop, one or more of your steering components is loose. You can use a pry bar and check all the joints, and/or have someone turn the steering wheel while you are under the front and, watching......

BTW, the 71-72 ball joints will fit the 71-2 spindles or the 73-up spindles...glad you got new ones...

09-13-2018, 07:01 PM	#2
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,284	Re: 70 vs 72 Tie Rods and Such??? The center link has no joints in it, it can't go bad unless bent in wreck...or Gomer or Goob did something stupid to it. Having disc brakes is great!!! The 71 and 72 spindles are the same (just to make sure, trying to be helpful). The ball joint holes in the 71 and 72's are the same as the 73 and newer spindles. BUT the tie rod end holes are NOT the same size. The 71-2's are smaller. The Threaded ends of the tie rods (that the sleeves join to) are also smaller on the 71-2 tie rod ends. I mention these things, because you could have a crazy combination of steering/brake parts, and not know it. Do you have a dial caliper that you can measure the threaded (sleeve part) of a tie rod end? A wrench may work. Go to a parts store and ask to look at a (inner or outer) tie rod end for a 73-79 C-10 1/2 ton pickup. The 71-2 is considerably smaller. If the wrench for yours won't slide over a 73-up tie rod end, your stuff is likely (and I also say..hopefully) 71-72. That would give you a starting point. The pitman arm is different on std steering form power because the manual box out put shaft is smaller. There is a stud sticking out of the manual box (power steer has one too), with a jamb nut. Can you loosen the jamb nut and tighten the stud any (should take a flat blade screwdriver if like a stock unit). If it is loose, tighten it until you feel resistance. Do Not tighten it tight. Tighten it at the point of contact, and tighten the jamb nut, tight. If that does not resolve at least most of your steering slop, one or more of your steering components is loose. You can use a pry bar and check all the joints, and/or have someone turn the steering wheel while you are under the front and, watching...... BTW, the 71-72 ball joints will fit the 71-2 spindles or the 73-up spindles...glad you got new ones...