I have a dilemma: I salvaged a 1972 Malibu's disc brake setup for my '70 Clone project and restoration. I have had the upper and lower A frames, spindles, backing plates, etc sandblasted and refinished.
I bought replacement tie rods, drag link, and ball joints, but did not get the adjustment sleeves for the tie rods yet. Now upon reading a couple of catalogs, including Ground Up, I see there are different stock numbers listed for the tie rod sleeves- there is one stock number for 68-70, and another for 71-72.
What is the difference, and how will it affect my 70's conversion from drum brakes to disc?
Can anyone point me to a previous post on this subject?
Thanks, guys

I am pretty sure there is no difference there that will inhibit the 72 parts from working properly. I got my disc setup off of a 72 LeMans and used all parts for a 70 with disc brakes and never had a problem.

All 68-72 suspension peices for all "A" bodies are primarily the same, some subtle differnces but nothing that will prevent compatibuility(sp).

It may just be a cosmetic thing. Ground Up should be able to tell you if they are functionaly the same.

The only important difference is the size (diameter) of the threads on the tie rod ends and drag link...which means you have to match the thread sizes, and buy adjuster sleeves to match.

I'm thinking the change happened in '70, but who knows...It could have changed at different times for Buick, Chevy, whatever. Perhaps it changed by assembly plant. Maybe it was a '70 change that affected '71 model year. I don't know. I believe the newer design was a larger diameter.

Take your drag link (I presume it's usable) and see if it's the same diameter 'n' thread pitch as the tie rod ends you have. If so, you just need to buy adjuster sleeves that also match. If the tie rod ends are different from the drag link--you'll have to change the tie rod ends or the drag link--and then buy adjuster sleeves to match. Simple and easy.

Drag link (center link) don't have any threads on them that attach to tie rods.

Thanks guys-
I guess it was a good idea to save the old steering components from the 72, to compare them to the new ones I got, and then to compare to what's still on the 70.....
I'll check it out in the next few days, and report back.
I appreciate your input!

Whoops! You're right! It's a matter of inner and outer tie rod ends, and the thread sizes, not the drag link. Sorry.

Point is, if the inner 'n' outer tie rod ends, and the sleeves, are the same thread diameter and pitch, there's no problem. Either size will work, but they have to be a "set".