Steering linkage and bushings

[GrantOv]

I got a good look at my steering linkage and it appears to me that the bushings are all pretty much shot. My thought was to remove the linkage in total then clean up and replace bushings. This is a manual steer setup. No bends or issues on the metal parts so I think just the bushings need to be replaced. Advice? I'm an electrical guy learning mechanical lingo as I go so forgive me if I get the terms wrong.

 

[Sheriff41]

Rock Auto should have what you need. Inner and outer tie rod ends, pitman arm (connects to the steering gear), and an idler arm. Drag links (the long center link) and seldom go bad. Check all the joints for play and only replace what you need.

 

[Steve McMahan]

For the idle arm, I would go with this unit, it seems the closest to the original:

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/71idler.html?sessionthemeid=26

 

[GrantOv]

These are good suggestions if I really need to replace the metal rods and arms but I'm not sure this is necessary since it is only the bushings that appear to be warn out. My arms/rods aren't bent or rusted and just need a good cleaning in my opinion. Since I'm not going for show quality or drag or ground up build I'm trying to replace only what is needed for good regular driving which is why I'm asking. Not trying to to cheap out but just put money to good use where necessary.

 

[Sheriff41]

You may find a rebuild kit for the idler arm but the other pieces are just remove and replace. If the joints are good on the tie rod ends you can get replacement grease boots for them.

 

[GrantOv]

Thanks for the recommendations - seems reasonable to replace the parts. Rock Auto was def cheaper than other places I was looking at. After getting used to their funky website (reminds me of digikey or old mcmaster) i found most things. Idler recommendation was very helpful as well. For the pitman interface to a reused drag link - is there a bushing I will need to replace? It seems that the pitman integrated bolt will need to go into something like a bushing pressed into the drag link. Not finding that with my searches unfortunately.

 

[Hemikiller]

Good move going with Rock Auto. Too many willingly pay a "convenience premium" buying standard maintenance type parts from a restoration shop. Sometimes, they're the only choice.

West Coast Classic Cougar has a correct idler arm. Most places will sell you the wrong one.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/71idler.html?sessionthemeid=26

Pitman arm is not rebuildable.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.c...973-Ford-Mustang-clone.html?sessionthemeid=26

 

[GrantOv]

It took me a while but I found a center/drag link bushing - I think this is what I needed to go between the pitman arm bolt and when reusing the center/drag link.

I'm not sure why it was so hard to find. Hope I'm understanding this all right.

https://www.performanceonline.com/1967-73-Ford-Mustang-Center-Link-Bushing/

 

[Hemikiller]

Pitman arm (on the steering box) has an integral ball type joint, it's not replaceable.

That bushing is for the idler arm (mounted on the pass rail), and yours is aftermarket so that bushing may or may not work. Factory idler arm had two rubber bushings, yours has one and a sealed joint.