I need to replace the center link and tie rods, but I can't figure out how to identify the link. I've read about measuring the diameter of the pitman center link, but alas I'm not sure exactly where to measure with my caliper... I've looked and tried but can't seem to figure it out... I've attached some pics hopefully one of them is usable. Thanks for all advice!
Also if someone could show me where I need to measure that would work too.

 

You may want to check Kanter.com as they sell both the Saginaw and TRW Centre Links and they give the dimensions to look for to differentiate between the two.

 

An easier way than dismantling and measuring , is to look at the pitman arm .
If the number 5676457 is stamped on the arm , it has Saginaw steering .
If not , it is Thompson (TRW) steering .

 

That assumes it's an original factory pitman arm. If it's been replaced sometime in the last half-century, it likely doesn't have the GM part number on it.

This may help, but again, this only applies to the OEM parts, not any replacement parts that may have been installed.

 

And just to clarify, the measurement that matters is the end of the stud on the center link where it fits into the pitman arm. You have to disassemble the center link from the pitman arm to access the tapered stud to measure it.

 

I have all the 1963 - 1964 Olds Full Size CENTER LINKS +++ Brand New +++ // NOT rebuilts with core charges.....
They always were a bit complicated --- because not only did they have Saginaw & Thompson Steering -- where the pivot, as Joe P. Mentions is .556" vs .587" -- there are also two different designs based on whether the oil pan had a "step" in it or is just flat / rectangular....

Call for details -- Craig -- 516 - 485 - 1935......

 

Thank you all for the helpful information. Based on everything I could find and see I'm pretty sure I have the Thompson set up. Unfortunately I'm not able to disassemble my center link since I can only work on it in the street. However I did look all over the pitman arm and found no numbers, I'm 99% sure it's the original just because of the low mileage and usage as a hearse in a town of less than a thousand. The tie rods also seem to match the diagram posted.

 

The extra good news is that I have EVERY single one brand new -- so you can purchase that one -- and just "swap" it , if you happen to be incorrect, no big deal.
And , you don't have hundreds of dollars tied up in core charges....
Where are you?? Can you pick this up for free -- or do we have to use a shipper??

I am in West Hempstead, Long Island, New York..... Craig 516 - 485 - 1935....

 

P.S.
All of these are of course N.O.S. Very U.S.A. made --- and I have N.O.S.Very U.S.A. made Idler Arms for the 1963 - 1964 Oldsmobile Full Size application -- which you should replace at the same time..... Yours, Craig