Steering geometry & parts issues

[UNGN]

Box is from a mid 80's Cutlass with F41 suspension. It's the quicker ratio g-body box and feels SOOO much better than the 16:1 standard box. I guess I didn't know g bodies had different center links.

They don't... or at least aren't supposed to but there are different geometry links based on the manufacturer.

A little difference between the two sides accounts for the box thickness, but too much and the whole thing goes wonky.

What is the overall length of your centerlink pin to pin?

 

[Streetbu]

Idler arm to pitman arm (center to center) is 21 7/8

 

[Streetbu]

I measured about 6.25" center to center on both the pitman arm and idler arm. On center, both inner tie rod studs are about 10.5" from the centerline of the front UCA bolt. I bought the proforged kit with all the parts.

The engine cradle on the crossmember is offset to one side, so don't take any measurements to the frame or crossmember.

View attachment 78032

Huh, mine are 6.5" idler and pitman. Also if you look at my pic from above, you can see how much closer the drivers side tie rod is to the frame crossmember versus the passenger side. Its close enough I couldn't even get the drivers side tie rod into the center link without taking it off the pitman arm first unlike the passenger side where there was enough room to slip it right in.

 

[superbon54]

Idler arm to pitman arm (center to center) is 21 7/8

I got 21 3/4" idler to pitman and 12 7/8" tie rod to tie rod.

 

[Streetbu]

Well I guess I'll order another center link. I'll get an AC Delco from rockauto and see how that works...

 

[superbon54]

Huh, mine are 6.5" idler and pitman. Also if you look at my pic from above, you can see how much closer the drivers side tie rod is to the frame crossmember versus the passenger side. Its close enough I couldn't even get the drivers side tie rod into the center link without taking it off the pitman arm first unlike the passenger side where there was enough room to slip it right in.

Yeah, your driver side is definitely tighter. Both of my tie rods just barely made it with the steering centered. If I were going to swing a guess. I would say it's the pitman arm. Depending on the box, g bodies had different ones, and different vehicles obviously have different lengths too.

 

[Streetbu]

But you can't just order pitman arms. They aren't a wear item so they don't make them anymore.... ugh. When I bought the steering box I couldn't get the center link off the pitman arm in the junk yard so instead I removed the pitman arm from the box. Then realized the arms were different from the old round top boxes to the square tops. Only place I could find a pitman arm was speedway motors and they are cleaned up used units. They only offer a single choice for g-bodies....

 

[superbon54]

I bought this one after I realized the arm from a 605 doorstop.. er I mean box.. wasn't compatible. It even came painted!

 

[pagrunt]

This is from Rock Auto but it doesn't say 600 or 800 series box. But I'd say it'll be for the 800 series, would check it out to make sure.

Related Parts


CHEVROLET 1981 MONTE CARLO 5.0L 305cid V8 Steering Pitman Arm
Price

PROFORGED 10310055 Rustproof E-Coat Housing Info
Front; Power Steering

$62.79

 

[Streetbu]

Well I just ordered the AC Delco center link. I'll keep this updated as to what that does if anything.