Center link rubbing crossmember - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72gmcshorty · 07-16-2011, 04:53 PM

1972 2wd. Why is my center link rubbing my crossmember? I had the crossmember off to clean and sandblast. I also replaced the pitman and idler arms. Now the link is rubbing against the front of the crossmember. I can't remember if there is some adjustment in the crossmember itself or if i got the wrong pitman/idlers.

Dunenutt · 07-16-2011, 05:04 PM

Is it in backwards? Nuts for the tie rods face front. Pics may help.

**leddzepp** · 07-16-2011, 05:05 PM

Sounds like it is in backwards.

72gmcshorty · 07-16-2011, 06:33 PM

tie rod nuts are facing the front....are the holes on the crossmember slotted for adjustment? I don't think the frame holes are slotted...

Dunenutt · 07-16-2011, 06:38 PM

if the upper a-arm bolt holes in the frame lined up, I would say it has to be the pittman/idler arms then.

72gmcshorty · 07-16-2011, 09:38 PM

Sorry, I should have said we had the front suspension completely torn apart. Now that its all together, the center link rubs the crossmember at the driver side and has about 1/8" clearance at the passenger side of crossmember. Looking at it, the pitman and idler arms are the only thing that controls where the center link sits.

**Boog** · 07-16-2011, 10:07 PM

There are different part numbers for standard and power steering parts from 67-72 and 73 up. There is no adjustment for the crossmember so your prob is in the new parts you've used. I suggest check the part numbers and applications where you bought them.

72gmcshorty · 07-17-2011, 11:38 AM

i got all the parts from Early classic in their rebuild kit. Would the fact that i have dropped spindles be a problem?

72gmcshorty · 07-17-2011, 11:38 AM

* Could a mod please move this thread to the suspension forum *

SCOTI · 07-17-2011, 12:12 PM

Take some pics of your set-up & post them. This will prob help identify any potential issues.

72gmcshorty · 07-19-2011, 06:47 PM

you can see in the one pic that the bar angles toward the driver side of the cross member

Lee H · 07-19-2011, 07:47 PM

My pitman arm measures 5 1/4 center to center.
Posted via Mobile Device

72gmcshorty · 07-20-2011, 08:27 AM

anything looking out of place?

SCOTI · 07-20-2011, 01:09 PM

The drag-link should be parallel all the way across. Something is either tweaked or is the incorrect length.

If there's no indication of either frame rail being hit & all the idler mounting holes look correct, I would focus on the parts that are new. Since these parts were replaced, it's possible the length of one or the other isn't correct.

Also, you mentioned the x-member was removed for clean-up. While the holes don't allow for a lot of play, I do recall there is some there. I would check the x-member to make sure it's square within the rails. Some simple diagonal measurements from fixed points on the rails to similar points on the x-member should give you an idea.

ADub · 07-20-2011, 02:09 PM

Chiming in...I have a similar problem on my 69, except my center link rubs all the way across. No new parts, no damaged frame. I gave up on mine a while back.

SCOTI · 07-20-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADub

Chiming in...I have a similar problem on my 69, except my center link rubs all the way across. No new parts, no damaged frame. I gave up on mine a while back.

If it rubs all the way across, it's usually installed backwards (an easy mistake). Which direction are the castle nuts that secure the tie-rods to the center-link facing (to the front or rear)?

ADub · 07-20-2011, 02:18 PM

Nope, its installed in the correct orientation

SCOTI · 07-20-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADub

Nope, its installed in the correct orientation

Something has been changed then. They don't rub from the factory so something has been changed along the way or removed/re-installed incorrectly.

ADub · 07-20-2011, 03:29 PM

Heres my thread when I looked into the issue

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=438119

Truck is still that way as I gave up. I purchased a new frame that I have modified and will be swapping the body and suspension over to eventually. That frame had manual steering installed and did not have the rubbing issue.

72gmcshorty · 07-20-2011, 06:56 PM

is there a pic of how it's supposed to look? How much gap is there supposed to be between the center link and the cross member?

SCOTI · 07-20-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

is there a pic of how it's supposed to look? How much gap is there supposed to be between the center link and the cross member?

About .500" or so gap.

72gmcshorty · 07-20-2011, 07:15 PM

is 5 1/4" the correct center to center distance for the pitman arm?

Lee H · 07-20-2011, 07:55 PM

What does you pitman measure? That is the measurement on my 72 with power steering. Just trying to give you something to look at.
Posted via Mobile Device

72gmcshorty · 07-20-2011, 08:35 PM

my truck is at the bodyman's. Just trying to get all the info before i go there.

ADub · 07-20-2011, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

About .500" or so gap.

on my rolling frame with manual steering it was about a 1/4"

07-16-2011, 04:53 PM	#1
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Center link rubbing crossmember 1972 2wd. Why is my center link rubbing my crossmember? I had the crossmember off to clean and sandblast. I also replaced the pitman and idler arms. Now the link is rubbing against the front of the crossmember. I can't remember if there is some adjustment in the crossmember itself or if i got the wrong pitman/idlers. __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-16-2011, 05:04 PM	#2
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Is it in backwards? Nuts for the tie rods face front. Pics may help.

07-16-2011, 05:05 PM	#3
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,033	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Sounds like it is in backwards. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

07-16-2011, 06:33 PM	#4
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember tie rod nuts are facing the front....are the holes on the crossmember slotted for adjustment? I don't think the frame holes are slotted... __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd Last edited by 72gmcshorty; 07-16-2011 at 06:41 PM.

07-16-2011, 06:38 PM	#5
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember if the upper a-arm bolt holes in the frame lined up, I would say it has to be the pittman/idler arms then.

07-16-2011, 09:38 PM	#6
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Sorry, I should have said we had the front suspension completely torn apart. Now that its all together, the center link rubs the crossmember at the driver side and has about 1/8" clearance at the passenger side of crossmember. Looking at it, the pitman and idler arms are the only thing that controls where the center link sits. __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-16-2011, 10:07 PM	#7
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,526	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember There are different part numbers for standard and power steering parts from 67-72 and 73 up. There is no adjustment for the crossmember so your prob is in the new parts you've used. I suggest check the part numbers and applications where you bought them. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-17-2011, 11:38 AM	#8
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember i got all the parts from Early classic in their rebuild kit. Would the fact that i have dropped spindles be a problem? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-17-2011, 12:12 PM	#10
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Take some pics of your set-up & post them. This will prob help identify any potential issues. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

07-19-2011, 06:47 PM	#11
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember you can see in the one pic that the bar angles toward the driver side of the cross member Attached Images __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-19-2011, 07:47 PM	#12
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember My pitman arm measures 5 1/4 center to center. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

07-20-2011, 08:27 AM	#13
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember anything looking out of place? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-20-2011, 01:09 PM	#14
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember The drag-link should be parallel all the way across. Something is either tweaked or is the incorrect length. If there's no indication of either frame rail being hit & all the idler mounting holes look correct, I would focus on the parts that are new. Since these parts were replaced, it's possible the length of one or the other isn't correct. Also, you mentioned the x-member was removed for clean-up. While the holes don't allow for a lot of play, I do recall there is some there. I would check the x-member to make sure it's square within the rails. Some simple diagonal measurements from fixed points on the rails to similar points on the x-member should give you an idea. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 07-20-2011 at 01:14 PM.

07-20-2011, 02:09 PM	#15
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Chiming in...I have a similar problem on my 69, except my center link rubs all the way across. No new parts, no damaged frame. I gave up on mine a while back. __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

07-20-2011, 02:18 PM	#17
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Nope, its installed in the correct orientation __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd



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07-20-2011, 03:29 PM	#19
ADub Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 218	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember Heres my thread when I looked into the issue http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=438119 Truck is still that way as I gave up. I purchased a new frame that I have modified and will be swapping the body and suspension over to eventually. That frame had manual steering installed and did not have the rubbing issue. __________________ 69 C10 SWB LY6 T56 70 Chevelle SS 396 4spd

07-20-2011, 06:56 PM	#20
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember is there a pic of how it's supposed to look? How much gap is there supposed to be between the center link and the cross member? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-20-2011, 07:15 PM	#22
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember is 5 1/4" the correct center to center distance for the pitman arm? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

07-20-2011, 07:55 PM	#23
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember What does you pitman measure? That is the measurement on my 72 with power steering. Just trying to give you something to look at. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

07-20-2011, 08:35 PM	#24
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Center link rubbing crossmember my truck is at the bodyman's. Just trying to get all the info before i go there. __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

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