Clay’s Wedgewood Blue FB Ute

[Errol62]

Tripped over this on the way back from a job todayComplete steering linkage from a kingpin HD wagon. The only wear part not readily obtainable is the pitman arm ball joint which I’m willing to take a punt on. Huge leap forward in technology to 1965.


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[Errol62]

As it turns out virtually all the parts that make up the steering linkage are obtainable brand new.
Drag link about $170 from a place in Melbourne. At this stage I think I will just replace the inner and outer tie rod ends and idler arm support.

These should stiffen the front up a bit Just need some shed time now.


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[Errol62]

Removing from carTattle vin comes in handy as wheel and tie rod nuts are both 3/4”.


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[Errol62]

Idler arm support bolts are 9/16” headJust have to pull the pitman arm. I have the puller. These can be quite tight. Sometimes a tap with bfh can help loosen things.


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[Errol62]

The tools


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[Errol62]

Don’t forget to take the nut off the sector shaft like I nearly did. 1 1/4” socket. Came off easily this time Next to disassemble the HD drag link and see how much play there is in the pitman and idler arm ball joints. I paid $70 for the second hand unit, $70 for new inner and outer tie rod ends and $20 for idler arm support. Another hundred and I could have re-used the FB adjuster tubes and had all brand new. I will assess the one I’ve got and consider this as an option. Try and resell the one I bought and recover some cost.


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[FJWALLY]

quite a few options for a slightly stiffer sway bar as well - the old ones are 18 or 19mm I beleive but most new are 22 or 24mm - put one front and back and she should drift nicely.

[FJWALLY]

if you struggle to get enough tension on the drag link inners my dad being an old school mechanic says the trick in the day was to put a penny or two in behind the adjuster nut as shim - worked a treat.

[Errol62]

Thanks Wally but I spent all my pennies on aniseed balls back in 1966.

Looking a bit further the drag link you can buy for$169 but then you need the idler arm which is another 30$.


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[Errol62]

So it works out just shy of $300 for brand new everything excluding the actual pitman arm and adjuster tubes which should be as good as the day they rolled out of the factory.


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[EK283]

So it works out just shy of $300 for brand new everything excluding the actual pitman arm and adjuster tubes which should be as good as the day they rolled out of the factory.


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What about fitting some HR steering arms drag link etc ? Actually I can't remember if they fit the stock front end and motor? Anyone ?

Regards Greg

[EK283]

So it works out just shy of $300 for brand new everything excluding the actual pitman arm and adjuster tubes which should be as good as the day they rolled out of the factory.


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What about fitting some HR steering arms drag link etc ? Actually I can't remember if they fit the stock front end and motor? Anyone ?

Regards Greg

AHMMMM,
Didn't read your earlier post regarding the HD sorry.

Greg

[Errol62]

That’s what I am doing Greg. Bolts up to fb steering arms and box.

Pulling it all apart this arvo.
I measured the tie rodcassemblys at 360mm centres both plus or minus 5mm which will be determined when I set up toe. It is near enough for initial reassembly.

I’m wondering whether to replace the idler arm. Maybe I can find a tighter brass bush from one of the old linkages. The pitman arm to drag link ball joint seems okay.


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[gledge]

Hi there Clay are you over at Willunga?

[Errol62]

That’s right gledge


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