72 steering components to 73 disc brakes fitment

[Markzilla88]

I apologize for the ignorance here, I just want to ask the pros before I start purchasing parts to fix my Demon.

My 72 Demon with a 360 currently has 73 steering linkages in it, as well as the upgrade to 73 disc brakes with BBP. I have to replace the steering components due to an accident. I only have a 72 K frame available to me, so I have to swap back to 72 pitman arm, idler arm, center link, tie rod sleeves and tie rod ends. I was wondering if you all here know if I will be able to connect the 72 steering components to the lower ball joint from my 73 brake set up. Thank you in advance for any assistance here with info!

 

[Kendog 170]

I think you want to stay with the 73 steering linkage but wait for others to confirm as it's been awhile and my memory sucks!

 

[RedFish]

None of that connects to lower ball joint. Tie rod end attach to steering nuckles. That doesn't change. You don't need to change tie rod ends or adjust sleeves. 3 pieces center link, pitman arm, idler arm. Stabiler bar may be issue if you have one

 

[Kendog 170]

Stabiler bar may be issue if you have one

Agreed. Need early sway bar. 73 wont work with that K frame.

 

[Markzilla88]

Okay copy. So the center link, idler arm, and pitman arm will need swapped, but the tie rod sleeves and ends can remain.

Apologies on the lower ball joint. When I was looking at the car, it looks like the arm that is part of the lower ball joint extends back to the tie rod, and connects to the steering knuckle.

I hate to not use 73 parts, but the 73 K frame that is in the car got wacked, along with the drivers side lower control arm. So I need to replace those items for sure, but for good measure wanted to change the steering components that are connected to them as well (for both sides to have fresh parts all around). Now that I have some free time and have a 72 K frame, I need to get started or it will sit for another year.

 

[Markzilla88]

Oh and the car did not have a sway bar in it… I realized that when I started digging through it the other day.

 

[RedFish]

Okay copy. So the center link, idler arm, and pitman arm will need swapped, but the tie rod sleeves and ends can remain.

Apologies on the lower ball joint. When I was looking at the car, it looks like the arm that is part of the lower ball joint extends back to the tie rod, and connects to the steering knuckle.

I hate to not use 73 parts, but the 73 K frame that is in the car got wacked, along with the drivers side lower control arm. So I need to replace those items for sure, but for good measure wanted to change the steering components that are connected to them as well (for both sides to have fresh parts all around). Now that I have some free time and have a 72 K frame, I need to get started or it will sit for another year.

You just might be right. The limb for tie rod end may be cast part of lower ball joint. I have good reason for being wrong. Good luck

 

[junkyardhero]

You just might be right. The limb for tie rod end may be cast part of lower ball joint. I have good reason for being wrong. Good luck

the attachment for the tie rod is indeed part of the lower ball joint casting.

 

[AbodyBB]

Center link tie rods will bolt into which ever you want to use.
Steering gear is in the same location and bolts up. Most Big block swaps use the 73-76 center link since it points the ball joints downward and clears the oil pan better.
You can swap k frame and motor mounts and as long as nothing is bent, be back driving.
I would take the opportunity to shake the FABO guys to find out what parts they have. 73-76 k members are common. I would have one, the problem though is shipping is cost prohibitive from west coast.

 

[AbodyBB]

Maybe a bit more helpful. 73 was the year A bodies got more parts to match the B bodies. Large upper ball joint, same lower ball joint as B bodies and they all share the same tie rods. Center link, pitman arm and idler arm had the ball joint bolt pointed downward also like B bodies. The sway bar passes through the k frame like B body while earlier sways were bolted to the front of the k frame. Sway bar tabs are in a different locations as well.
Lastly the power steering gear went to the larger sector shaft.
If you want to use an early power steering gear, use the 73-76 pitman for manual steering.
Hope it helps.

 

[67Dart273]

Okay copy. So the center link, idler arm, and pitman arm will need swapped, but the tie rod sleeves and ends can remain.

Apologies on the lower ball joint. When I was looking at the car, it looks like the arm that is part of the lower ball joint extends back to the tie rod, and connects to the steering knuckle.

I hate to not use 73 parts, but the 73 K frame that is in the car got wacked, along with the drivers side lower control arm. So I need to replace those items for sure, but for good measure wanted to change the steering components that are connected to them as well (for both sides to have fresh parts all around). Now that I have some free time and have a 72 K frame, I need to get started or it will sit for another year.

NO!!! There are 4 components that need to go together, and all 4 can be used 68--76. They are the center link, the idler, and the pitman, and the pitman arm must fit the splines on the steering box. You can use either "set." In other words, those 4 must be 72/ earlier, or else 73/ later, and those 4 are independent of the brakes, the tie rods, or the K member. The only caveat is the 67 "one year only" K with an oddball idler arm.

Your tabs on your lower arms are different which connect to the anti-sway bar. The 72/ earlier bar goes UNDER the K. You can also use that anti sway bar on the 73 K but you will need to drill and mount it as the 72 was.

None of this has to be done "entirely." The 72 sway bar can be adapted, except the 73 bar goes INSIDE the 73 K, so can not be used on 72 The lower arm tabs for the bar are different, between 72 73, but if you can weld/ fabricate you can change the tabs.

The arms, upper and lower, have nothing to do with the K member, only the upper arms have the large ball joints for the disc brakes.

Likewise the tie rod assemblies can be swapped regardless of the brakes, arms or K member or steering linkage.