Anything wrong with this?

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Scott's dart

Scott's dart

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Putting together my steering I can't tell if this is right, I kind of have to push up and it feels like bend the idler arm stud to get the linkage onto the steering box! Just wondering if this is wrong and what to do if it is!
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Try flipping it around the other way.
 
That center link looks bent.
It is supposed to have the offset to the rear, not the front...In case you were unsure. The holes are tapered so you can't install it upside down.
The LCA pins....I have never seen them installed in the K member without being installed in the LCAs. I guess you're using urethane bushings? Those can be really harsh for the street, just a friendly warning.
Good luck.
 
How do you like that ratchet ?
I have the 12V 1/4" impact driver and the 1/2" drill. They are great!
 
RustyRatRod said:
Try flipping it around the other way.
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Yeah I did try that and it was even worse the other way!
Kern Dog said:
That center link looks bent.
It is supposed to have the offset to the rear, not the front...In case you were unsure. The holes are tapered so you can't install it upside down.
The LCA pins....I have never seen them installed in the K member without being installed in the LCAs. I guess you're using urethane bushings? Those can be really harsh for the street, just a friendly warning.
Good luck.
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I'm actually using delrin bushings from Bergman auto craft! And it doesn't seem to have offset in any direction except down a little bit. I guess I should have clarified this is on a 75 dart! And yeah I really like the ratchet! Super useful for getting at those nuts and bolts that you can only get one click out of a regular ratchet!
 
Would there be anything wrong with bending it back? And would it be okay to do that cold or should I put some heat to it?
 
Might poke the K under the car and check do the bolt holes to frame rails line up. I'm thinking if the K is bent it would show up at center link too.

bent K.jpg
 
RedFish said:
Might poke the K under the car and check do the bolt holes to frame rails line up. I'm thinking if the K is bent it would show up at center link too.

View attachment 1715592476
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It looks like you could turn it end for end. The pitman arm looks higher up than the idler arm is and the center link has a more pronounced bend in it. (now on the idler arm side)
 
I would double check that the idler and pitman arms are the correct ones for your car.

What do you know if the history of the car / components?
 
Dana67Dart said:
I would double check that the idler and pitman arms are the correct ones for your car.

What do you know if the history of the car / components?
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It looks like the knuckle of the idler arm is too short where it pivots in the k frame. Maybe the wrong idler arm for that year?
 
Never use HEAT on forged suspension parts ! Cold bending in a press or replace it with a good used one.
 
Kern Dog said:
Never use HEAT on forged suspension parts ! Cold bending in a press or replace it with a good used one.
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I agree too much heat can soften the metal and make it weaker...

However cold bending can cause internal stress concentrations that can fatigue and fracture later...

I would replace it with another one...
 
Leaf springs are DEarched by cold bending.
I have never seen a center link break. I do agree that if a replacement can be found, that is the best choice.
 
Dana67Dart said:
I would double check that the idler and pitman arms are the correct ones for your car.

What do you know if the history of the car / components?
Click to expand...
Well it was a power steering car, I bought a PST16:1 manual box and a moog k7086 because everywhere I read that was the correct idler arm! And when I bought the steering box this was the pitman arm I was told to buy.
Kern Dog said:
Never use HEAT on forged suspension parts ! Cold bending in a press or replace it with a good used one.
Click to expand...
Okay thanks for the advice! I'll keep it out of the fire! Lol
 
The bend looks to have a slight crown UP, this will make the idler and Pitman arms at different angles. To install it as is, the steering will be in a bind. Any 73-76 A body center link will work. There was only one used for all applications whether slant six, V8, power or manual steering. Very common part. I always switch to the 73-76 steering linkage when I have a '67-72 A body.
 
? can the steering linkage be interchanged from 72 down to 73 up a vise versa with out problems and is there a difference in the center link on the 72 down s/6 an v8 some say yes some say no doing a v8 swap using a 73 up k member on a 70 and the steering is perfect on it so if the linkage will inter change i may just reuse it on the newer k member if i can any advice on this thanks
 
toolmanmike said:
It looks like you could turn it end for end. The pitman arm looks higher up than the idler arm is and the center link has a more pronounced bend in it. (now on the idler arm side)
Click to expand...
There have been previous threads about the center link, "Is it symmetrical or not?" It does look symmetrical. One thread about center link hitting oil pan or something. Switching it end for end cured it.
 
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