Draglink: '71 Jimmy - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 07-26-2006, 01:24 AM

I have a '71 GMC Jimmy utility 4wd truck with a 350 V8, SM465, and power steering. The OEM vintage Draglink is a single unit with balljoints at both ends. The only replacement that's available is a 3 piece unit with an adjuster sleeve in the middle. This is the connecting rod that goes between the pittman arm on the steering gearbox and the steering arm on the Dana 44 axle. It's making a klunking sound and the mechanic tells me it needs to be replaced. Is this 3 piece unit draglink common with all GM 1/2 tons with the Dana 44 from '69 to '76?
Also one of the draglink pieces is longer than the other. Does the longer one go in front or back?

tgh117 · 07-26-2006, 12:30 PM

Yes this is very common to have a 3 piece unit. Being in three pieces allows you to adjust the straightness of the steering wheel, versus how the tires are pointed. I just replaced this in my truck, and if I recall correctly, the longer tie rod was to the front to keep the adjusting sleeve away from the pitman arm when turning. Good luck with the replacement, should be really simple job.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 07-27-2006, 12:12 AM

Thanks, that helps.

07-26-2006, 01:24 AM	#1
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,042	Draglink: '71 Jimmy I have a '71 GMC Jimmy utility 4wd truck with a 350 V8, SM465, and power steering. The OEM vintage Draglink is a single unit with balljoints at both ends. The only replacement that's available is a 3 piece unit with an adjuster sleeve in the middle. This is the connecting rod that goes between the pittman arm on the steering gearbox and the steering arm on the Dana 44 axle. It's making a klunking sound and the mechanic tells me it needs to be replaced. Is this 3 piece unit draglink common with all GM 1/2 tons with the Dana 44 from '69 to '76? Also one of the draglink pieces is longer than the other. Does the longer one go in front or back? __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

07-26-2006, 12:30 PM	#2
tgh117 Crazy Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Emmaus, Pa Posts: 203	Re: Draglink: '71 Jimmy Yes this is very common to have a 3 piece unit. Being in three pieces allows you to adjust the straightness of the steering wheel, versus how the tires are pointed. I just replaced this in my truck, and if I recall correctly, the longer tie rod was to the front to keep the adjusting sleeve away from the pitman arm when turning. Good luck with the replacement, should be really simple job. __________________ 77 SB Stepside in a bunch of pieces scattered around the garage.

07-27-2006, 12:12 AM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,042	Re: Draglink: '71 Jimmy Thanks, that helps. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.



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