1972 Plymouth Duster Alignment failure
still isn't clear is how to tell the difference in small vs big splined on the gearbox. Is the difference noticeable?
Absolutely. If I have to I can go out and caliper mine.
A useful source and good read is over at the tech pages at BigBlockDart:
http://www.bigblockdart.com/techpages/techindex.shtml
Here we go: From one of the above pages:
"The large sector, just above the splines as it exits the housing, measures 1.22". The small sector measures 1.11". "
And no problem on the "heed." My car is a good example. It is a mix of older and newer parts, very few, other than the body, are original 67 LOL. "The guy" who ends up with this after me might have a nightmare.
You seem to be doing fine. Dig in and learn. You have a lot of issues, and a long ways to go.
At this point, probably the most important thing to figure out is
1....whether the pitman is in good usable shape
2...whether it properly matches the center link and whether the center link holes have been hogged out
of course in addition to the K member issue
and figuring out what to replace for "wear" parts.
As I eluded to earlier, if you don't know the history of the bushings, and if they look at "all" old, I'd replace them all. If you don't know the history of the ball joints, replace them
The pitman, idler, and tie rod ends, you can "wiggle test." once you get the "right parts" issue solved.
If this were me, I'd go roughly in this order.
Replace the K, get GOOD mounts on the engine, and get it back into place. Replace or rebuild the oil pan at this time as well
Examine and resolve the pitman / link / idler compatibility (early / late) issue
Replace rubber bushings
Get it back together and "rough" align. It does not have to be absolutely perfect. Jounce and test steering and make certain that the center link clears headers and other obstructions
If not, stop there and do what you must to repair.
Then, assess wear and play in any wear parts that were used or original. Ball joints, tie rod ends, pitman, idler This is assuming you did not have the money to replace "everything" to start with.
Replace these last remaining that showed wear
Do a final alignment, final steering clearance test, road test, etc
