Hello all,
Looking at replacing the drag link and idler arm on my 85 IROC in the next few weeks. Just wondernig if I need a puller or anything "special".

Thanks!

 

Third gens's don't have a drag link.

Pitman arm is on the steering box. It's a non wearable item.

Idler arm is on the other side. A center link joins the pitman arm to the idler arm. The left and right tie rods on both sides of the center link are composed of an inner and outer (LH and RH thread) tie rod ends with an adjuster sleeve for alignment adjustments.

 

GM calls it a "relay rod". Lots of part houses seem to use drag link and center link interchangeably.

 

Relay rod, drag link, center link, ask 5 people what it is you'll probably hear 2 more. Still would like to know if I need a puller to seperate any of the joints.......

 

You shouldn't need any special tools. Don't use a pickle fork to remove the parts you're going to use again, they put to much force on the joint and can ruin the rubber. The part of the tie rod end that goes thru the center link and has the nut on it is tapered. To remove them, loosen the nut (don't remove it to protect the threads) and use a pretty good size hammer to hammer on one side of the center link and another hammer or something solid to back up the other side. When you hit it you're forcing the tapered hole to deflect slightly and the tapered portion pops out. It's simple to do but a little hard to describe. And it most likely isn't going to pop on the first whack ... hit it again!