Hi All, purchased a "front end kit"...bushings, tie rods, etc. - it (nor any of the others I saw) does not come with a center link (13/16") - is that something that is less of a "consumable" than the other items in the kit? Would it be prudent to replace it at this time given the labor of doing all the rest? With regard to the parts coming out...anything worth saving? As always, thanks in advance for everyone's advice and guidance.

Stephen

The center-link/drag-link is just as much of a consumable item as the tie rod ends. There are lubricated parts that wear. I think the only reason that they're not included in the "front-end rebuild kits" is the expense. You're looking at spending $100+ just for that part. However, I do recommend replacing it. Make sure you measure it and get the correct one, since that year had 2 different sizes.

For what it costs for new parts, nothing is really worth saving.

Ed

Ed, many thanks...I'll get one (the size is 13/16").

HELP! Went to price and purchase the center link and have found a dilemma - OPGI carries one, which is made by MOOG (Moog part # DS749) - when i call moog to double check the application, they tell me that DS749 is catalogued for the 68-72 - the 64 application is their part nos DS740 or DS782 - go back to OPGI with this and they say that they don't have a tech service function, but sales guy assures me that if my 64 is 13/16" (which it is) that the 68 is a plug and play - no modifications needed...can anyone confirm that?

As always, thanks for everyone's advice and guidance.

Stephen

Are you sure the Moog part wasn't DS682 for the 64 13/16"?
Year One has the reproduction one for sale ..cost twice as much as the others...
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?pid=DS682&c=0&e=0&cat=0&hid=019AC47540

Shooter, i called Moog back - you are correct - the obsolete part #is DS682...looks like Year One has it...and at triple the price (compared to the lowest i've found...which is not a Moog part).

thanks!

Well...it just goes to show that if you are willing to give up enough of your day job to this hobby, you can get answers to most things.

For those of you with 64 Chevelles (as I think this only applies to you), here is the scoop:

In 1964, GM spec'd 2 different centerlink/idler arm combos - 7/8 or 13/16. the 13/16 centerlink was part ds682 (that is the moog part number, anyway) and it was made only that year. the idler arm it went with was trw part # 18-634. the ds682 center link is now obsolete, although year one seems to either be selling NOS parts or modifying the 7/8 into a 13/16 - if NOS, probably coming from Rare Parts, Inc.

OPGI was approached by a "couple of chevelle clubs" (maybe us?) to show that in 1968, GM once again spec'd idler arm 18-634 in the suspension and as a result, the center link for 68-72, Moog part DS749 (which is what OPGI and everybody else, including NAPA at half the price, sell) would work with the 64 because it had the same idler arm and the pitman was universal for all A bodies accross those years.

So, part DS749 (or its equivalent in Dana or whatever), will work (or so my research shows) for the 64 chevelle center link application. I'll let you know for sure when i try to install it later this week.

thanks,
stephen