The center link on the coupe was worn out, everything else is new and the steering box has been rebuilt, so it had to go. It was a solid original which was still good some years ago but time has caught up with it.

Anyway, the new center link arrived the other day and I was knocking things apart to put it in and when I got it off I compared it to my new one. This is a reproduction part, probably made outside the US but it looks very well made and is slightly more substantial than the original. Since Moog nor anyone else makes them, my choices were pretty limited anyway. It cost over $100 so it darn well better be good!

Upon comparing the two, I find that the holes for the inner tie rod studs are not the same distance apart. Of course this will need to be accommodated by some adjustments to the tie rods. I measured the toe-in before I took anything apart so I'll know where to set it when I get it back together, but my question is concerning the location of the tie rod stud holes: is the distance from the tie rod stud hole to the steering box or idler arm stud need to be that specific? Will the slight misplacement of the tie rod holes do anything to the steering geometry that can't be compensated for by adjusting the tie rod lengths? I wouldn't think so, but it never hurts to be certain.

The difference in the distances between the holes is about 3/16ths with the distance apart on the new one being the longer of the two.

the drag link shouldn't affect anything other then the toe In-out ...
being longer you'll have a toe out problem unless you shorten the ends to make up the difference

Exactly. I replaced mine years ago just because of a traditional rebuild. I threw the old one out and wish I wouldnt have but I dont think it was original anyways. I dont recall for sure if they were the exact same length but I believe my replacement was actually shorter. Something thats easily taken care of during the alignment so it was no big deal.

The inner tie rod pivot location does have some affect upon bump steer. However, I just don't have a feel as to what 3/16 of an inch of difference in pivot location might have on your Chevelle suspension geometry. 3/16 of an inch is probably within frame tolerances from one side to the other.

JIML82

I replaced my center link recently and had no problem with adjusting alignment.

Thanks guys, I didn't think there would be a problem but I appreciate the double check.