I've read some stuff in the past of problems when doing front end rebuilds and trying to replace the centerlinks... specifically 1966...

What is the main issue- the studs from the centerlink won't fit the pitman arm/idler arm, or the holes for the inner tie rods are the wrong diameter?

I'm just trying to figure out the issue before i order the last few peices.

I've already got the PST basic front end kit, and plan to buy the centerlink, idler & inner tie rods soon before i start the project.

I was looking at my car and at my neighbors 66 chevelle, and his centerlink is considerably bigger than the one on my car- concerned me that mine has the 1965 smaller one and i may have issues ordering "1966" parts...

help would be appreciated!
Thanks-
Ben

 

You just have to have it all match. the idler, pitman and drag link. There is a small one and a large one. I found out the hard way. None of it will work with each other if not matched.

 

thats what i'm afraid of... So i'm guessing mine is the smaller one- So i would need to get the idler & centerlink for the 1965 small option?

Are the inner tie rods specific to that centerlink or no?

 

So i went out the garage and crawled under my car and my neighbors 66 chevelle again...

Measured my centerlink vs his- mine is 13/16s and his is 7/8s.

In all the parts catalogs- 66-67 is listed at the same PN- and there is no size listed. 64-65 they list two size options on is 13/16 and one is 7/8.

Does this mean i should order the 1965 idler arm & centerlink?

Richard do you know what size you wound up with on your car?

Curious.. my car was build 3rd week of Feb 1966... What month was your car built?

 

OK- i know i'm retarded replyoing to my own thread... but another question/thought.

Are the power steering pitman arms on the cutlass the same as the chevelle? Maybe i should just buy a new "CORRECT" 66/67 pitman arm, then i can get the beefier "CORRECT" 66/67 centerlink & idler arm.

Is there a benifit in running the bigger unit?

 

Kanter has both sizes. Your car should be 7/8"; a few 66 models still had 13/16--I had an early 1966 Fremont built 6 cyl that was 13/16.

 

Hey, go with who gives you the best answers.........:

If it is like the difference between the Saginaw and TRW components, I believe the pitman arm and everything "out" from there are different.
I think this is a case of "bigger is better", and I'd get it converted.

 

Mine had the 13/16 and I got the 7/8 when I ordered. Months later after everything was painted and detailed I started assembeling the chassis and nothing would fit each other Ended up upgrading to the larger stuff and used the 7/8 one.

 

Gonna see if i can find a local used 66/67 pitman arm for a good price- if not, i'll just get the replacement 13/16ths centerlink- I'd prefer to upgrade, but its been ok on there for 44 years, i'm sure a new one will be just fine too...