Does anyone have any suggestions or install procedures on how's the best way to replace everything? Also, should I do this with the wheels off the ground or does it matter? Tia...

James,

I replaced mine while it was on the ground, and as long as you have a pickle fork, it's an easy job. The only part that may give you a little pain, is the Pitman arm. Sometimes this takes a few hard taps to get it out. Make sure now to hammer directly on top of any threads that will be reused. If you have to, leave the nut screwed on near the top, so none of the threads get damaged. The reason I didn't jack mine up, is I wanted it close to the same alignment when I was done. I suppose you could drive it up on ramps, in wanted. Make sure to grease everything with your grease gun when your done. They ship them with very little grease in them (in most cases).

Fred.

Thanks for the reply Fred, but I guess I wasn't too good at explaining my problem... I already have the old stuff removed. I have installed new disc brakes with dropped spindles, control arms. etc., and have purchased all new steering hardware. The problem...when I tried to install the hardware last night the idler arm was rubbing right up against the inner tie rod bar once I had the idler arm and driver's side tie rod bolted to the spindle. Let me ask this, does anyone have some pictures that show how the idler arm and steering components are oriented (with the wheels pointed straingt ahead)? Short of having installation procedures this would help me the most. Thanks.

Same as above post, but I also put masking tape on the old tie rods to measure how far in/out the stuff was. That and digital pictures referencing everything beforehand really helped when putting it back together.

Pitman arm was DEFINITELY the tough one.

Not sure about the 69, but when I re-assembled my 67 front end, I found I had to leave the idler unbolted from the frame and the centerlink until I had evrything else installed. Then "work" the idler onto the centerlink and frame mount last. Otherwise, the centerlink wouldn't mount onto the idler.

I remember when I was doing it, that I understood why younger folks were having problems putting all the parts on new. I worked on these cars when they were new and I was having to "puzzle" it out.

I can post a pic of the 67 assy. if it would help.

James, I may still have my photos at home. I'll try to check later tonight and will post them if I still have 'em. FYI, the pics will be from a '70.

Herb - thanks...that makes sense!

Mark - Pics would be a big help to me!

Thanks.

Theres some front end pictures here of a 69
Rob

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/uploads/7959/Center_Link_Pitman_Arm_closeup2.JPG
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/uploads/7959/Center_Link_Idler_closeup2.JPG
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/uploads/7959/Drivers_side_Before2.JPG
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/uploads/7959/Pass_Side_Before2.JPG

I just finished replacing everything under my 65 and I guess I got lucky because the center link and tie rods and idler arm went on without any problems. The only problem I did have was getting the pass side sway bar link installed. I just removed the ld stuff and used it as a base line to get the new stuff adjusted close. i`m going to take it down for the alignment soon so they can mess with the adjustments.