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It only took three long years..

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1973 454 MONTE
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It only took three long years.. Empty It only took three long years..

Post by lars Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 17:13

But my car is registered. I'm trying to get it to pass inspection as of now.

It currently failed because of six things:
center-link
pit-man arms
front shocks
lack of a working defroster (heater makes noises as if it is going to work, but doesn't blow any air)
holes in the rear fenders
and my brake light is consistently on.

It also stalls, which I've found to be a defective egr valve.

I've ordered shocks, and plan on bondoing (ctrl+x) up the fenders. Any insight on some of my issues would be much appreciated. I'm so glad to finally get her on the road, she's ached for it.
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Post by ant7377 Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 17:40

You have one pitman arm and its all steel and dosent fail. Look at the steering box on the left hand side under the car you will see it. The non working defroster is probably because the vacuum line came off the ball on the right hand fender well . That works the diaphragm that send air to the dash and defroster vents. THe other stuff is important if your fron end is worn you need to fix those parts.
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Post by 77mali Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 17:44

The center link & the arms (the one on the pass side is the Idler & the one off the steering pump is the Pitman)- can be removed as an "assembly". You'll need an impact wrench to remove the Pitman nut/washer first,( 1-5/16" on my 77) then you'll need a pitman arm puller to remove it from the steering box. The same pitman arm puller (auto zone item- can be rented) can be used to remove the center link from the tie rods. The Idler arm is attached to the frame by 2 bolts....easy peasie- lemon squeezie. If you need help- pm me & I'll get you my email. I just did this (kind of) & posted pics on my thread...took the steering box & shaft out too however.

Sorry- the link is here:
https://www.g3gm.com/t5609-center-link-removal-question?highlight=center+link


Last edited by 77mali on Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 18:24; edited 1 time in total
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Post by 1973 454 MONTE Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 17:54

but there is no moving joints in the pitman arm. its just a piece of steel.
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Post by pila Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 19:30

Not necessary to remove the pitman arm, just remove the center link from it. You need a bunch of parts: Two inner tie-rod ends, two outer tie-rod ends, a center link, and an idler arm, to do it right. If there is still too much play in the steering, you can buy/exchange the steering box for about $140 bucks at Autozone, Advance Auto etc. If you do that, you will need to remove the pitman arm, since a rebuilt steering box doesn't come with the arm.
Like 77mali said, you can rent the tools you will need at the auto stores mentioned. You WILL need a front-end alignment after replacing those parts. You can check toe-in with a tape ruler for getting it close enough to drive to an alignment place.
Sounds a bit expensive, but getting the steering fixed right will make you glad you did it.

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Post by Mcarlo77 Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 20:45

Sure glad we don't have to pass vehicle inspection here in MN. What a nit-picking bunch of crap you guys have to put up with! Keep at it, Lars...you're almost there!
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Post by Laguna Budman Mon 17 Sep 2012 - 22:42

Lars, congrats my friend I know it's been a long time coming. These guys are right though, don't skimp on the front end parts or you will never get to fully enjoy the ride. Safety and piece of mind are first and foremost. Keep up the good work!
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Post by 77mali Tue 18 Sep 2012 - 5:36

Pila is right, if the pitman arm is not broken or worn somehow (and it shouldn't be- as it is cast like 73 454 Monte said) you can leave it on the pump & it will pop off the center link by using the removal tool. Save some grunt work there.
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