Center Link question

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halfafish

halfafish

Damn those rabbits, and their holes!
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I am busy acquiring (and rat-holing) parts for my next project. I want to make a 69 Big Block Dart.

Here is the question. I'm pretty certain that if I find a slant Dart, and I want to put a SB in it, the V8 center link is necessary. Is the V8 center link also required if I want to change a slant Dart to a BB?
 
halfafish said:
I am busy acquiring (and rat-holing) parts for my next project. I want to make a 69 Big Block Dart.

Here is the question. I'm pretty certain that if I find a slant Dart, and I want to put a SB in it, the V8 center link is necessary. Is the V8 center link also required if I want to change a slant Dart to a BB?
Click to expand...

I think you're barking up the wrong tree. If you are going to build a big block Dart you will most likely come to the conclusion that you need the 73 or newer style steering linkage just so you can take it apart. The early style sits on top of the idler arm and pittman arm so the center link is trapped by the oil pan and headers.

Start working on a BB A body and you'll understand.
 
AndyF said:
I think you're barking up the wrong tree. If you are going to build a big block Dart you will most likely come to the conclusion that you need the 73 or newer style steering linkage just so you can take it apart. The early style sits on top of the idler arm and pittman arm so the center link is trapped by the oil pan and headers.

Start working on a BB A body and you'll understand.
Click to expand...
Andy is correct. Kim
 
AndyF said:
I think you're barking up the wrong tree. If you are going to build a big block Dart you will most likely come to the conclusion that you need the 73 or newer style steering linkage just so you can take it apart. The early style sits on top of the idler arm and pittman arm so the center link is trapped by the oil pan and headers.

Start working on a BB A body and you'll understand.
Click to expand...

Got it, and thanks for the help. I will keep an eye out for these.

I already have the 73+ disc brake conversion stuff on hand. Would i need just the pitman arm, idler arm, and center link to make this swap?
 
halfafish said:
Got it, and thanks for the help. I will keep an eye out for these.

I already have the 73+ disc brake conversion stuff on hand. Would i need just the pitman arm, idler arm, and center link to make this swap?
Click to expand...


Oh crap...if you had an early K member (67-72) I'd trade you straight across for my spool mount K member that I don't care for!! Dang.
 
yellow rose said:
Oh crap...if you had an early K member (67-72) I'd trade you straight across for my spool mount K member that I don't care for!! Dang.
Click to expand...

Hmmm. I have an extra K frame, I will shoot you a PM to discuss...
 
halfafish said:
Got it, and thanks for the help. I will keep an eye out for these.

I already have the 73+ disc brake conversion stuff on hand. Would i need just the pitman arm, idler arm, and center link to make this swap?
Click to expand...

And, most likely the late steering gear. Small sector, late pitman arms are not readily available.
 
Jim Lusk said:
And, most likely the late steering gear. Small sector, late pitman arms are not readily available.
Click to expand...

I am one of those guys who is a sponge. I read a LOT and try to avoid wasting time and money - what is the part you are calling the steering gear? Am I correct to assume you mean the steering gear box?

Also, can you elaborate on what a "small sector late pitman arm" means?

I know I am tackling a project that is certainly do-able, but needs a bunch of guidance as to the means to accomplish my goal.
 
Early power and manual steering gears (yes, the box) had a small output (sector) and used a small hole pitman arm. Later power had a large output (sector) and a large hole in the pitman arm. Some late manual boxes did have the small sector, so there was a small sector pitman arm, but they are much harder to find.
 
OK, thanks for the clarification. I'm overdue for a serious junkyard-scrounging day, I will have to go see what's out there. I will be running manual steering however that works out.

By chance, do you know the measurements on the small vs. large sector holes?
 
Thank you sir. Firm Feel is local to me, I shall swing by for their help.
 
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