in order to get my truck to pass safety i need replace my center link. the front end on my 81 is pretty tight except for the center link. i was wondering if any one had any tips on replacing it. i already broke 3 out of 4 nuts loose. i am wait till tomorrow to borrow a socket to get the nut off of one of the tie rod. i don't want to damage the tie rods and have to replace them and get an alignment.

 

well i spent the day cursing and swearing at my truck and got the job. i have a feeling i might of wasted $100 replacing the center link but it is done. i have a feeling the play in my steering is from the steering gear box. if i have to replace it looks like i will be ordering from rock auto since it is the cheapest. all the local parts stores want like $400 for the gear box plus another $300 for the core. that's $700 plus taxes. thats more than i paid for the truck. if i have to i might just swap with my other truck.

 

You get the core charge back when you return the old one.

 

i know i get the core charge back but the parts store said it would cost me $700 if i didn't bring a core in. rock auto would cost me just under $300 after shipping and i would get $90 back when i return the core so it would be about $210 as apposed to $400.

 

Have you tried to adjust it?

 

i have not. i didn't know if it would help. how do you adjust it? is it that bolt on top of it?

 

There is a set procedure for adjusting it but it calls for removal of the box. I just hold the center adjusting screw while loosening the lock nut. Tighten the adjuster 1/4 turn and hold it there while tightening the lock nut. Test drive the vehicle and if it is not satisfactory repeat the process 1/4 turn at a time.

 

i just lifted the front end up getting ready to get the rotors turned and and the play that was there when it was at the shop is gone i think. i might try adjusting the gear box if i can get it on the road. i think i will just have to keep adding thicker oil to the power steering pump till the gear box stops leaking.

 

for future ref...its good to know someone who passes cars....i know a guy that told me i bring him a title an it passes lol...60 mile round trip but its worth it...

no wht was we talking about?

 

i have had 2 people that know people who would pass it but i would rather do it right. had i not i would be driving it around with rear brakes only. the front calipers were sticking. the first time i took it in it took 2 hands to spin the tire and i knew there was something wrong with it.

i learned a easy way to remove the rear seal on the rotor without damaging it. just remove the first bearing and put the nut back on them pull the rotor off. work on both of mine.