1965 Olds Cutlass Steering System Upgrade - Staying On Path - PHR Project Car

Loose Ends
In a recirculating ball steering system, the pitman arm attaches to the center drag link on one end, and moves it from side to side as the steering wheel is turned. An idler arm attaches the opposite end of the drag link to the passenger-side framerail. Both the idler arm and pitman arm have joints that allow the drag link to move in a lateral plane. A pair of tie rods connects the drag link to the steering knuckles, which steer the front wheels from left to right. This arrangement yields a total of four ball-and-socket joints on the tie rods, and four fixed joints on the pitman and idler arms, seven of which are lubricated and sealed. As the seals erode and the joints wear out, having so many attachment points dramatically increases unwanted free-play and slop. Rebuilding the steering hardware is very straightforward. After detaching the tie rods from the steering knuckles, disconnecting the rag joint from the steering shaft, unbolting the idler arm from the framerail, and removing the pitman arm from the drag link, everything drops right out.

WHERE THE MONEY WENT
Item:	PN:	Price:
DSE steering box	090204	$495*
DSE rag joint	090205	$90*
DSE tie rods, adjusters, and idler arm	031607	$217*
Moog drag link	DS740	$80
Jegs power steering cooler	55-60350	$60
Jegs 1/4-inch NPT adapter	100416	$5
Russell -6AN hose	632210	$42
Russell -6AN to 1/4 NPT fitting (x2)	612090	$50
Russell -6AN straight fitting	610021	$8
Grant steering wheel	1130	$132
Grant install kit	4181	$22
Total:		$1,201

*Parts tallied in prior stories, not included in cost breakout below