So, I brought my '98 2WD Blazer in for it's safety and emissions inspection this morning (Missouri requires) and they found a few things which need to be addressed before they will approve of the vehicles safe condition.

The parts in question relate directly to the steering linkage. I was told to replace the center link or relay bar, idler arm and tie rods. There was way too much play in the steering (saw this myself - felt it while driving)!

Here's my question. I looked up the parts at two different shops and they both came up with something which does not look like they would fit on my truck. I was following the diagrams in the online repair manual and it appears the linkage on my truck is from a 1988-1991 K-series truck?!?!?! I say this because the way the current linkage is put together it matches perfectly with the diagram.

Can anyone clue me in as to what I need to do?

Here are the parts I need to replace (going by what Autozone calls them):

Center Link or Relay Bar
Tie Rod Ends
Pitman Arm (didn't have to replace it but I screwed it up going my the wrong diagram)
Idler arm

Is it okay to use the steering linkage setup from that time period for the truck?

Thanks!!!!!!

 

I think I figured it out. I looked up GMC JImmy and found the diagram which represents what I currently have on the truck. Is this okay? Can I just buy the replacement parts I need based on what is currently installed or do I need to convert the linkage to Chevy Blazer?

Strike that...I'm back to square one.

 

I've never heard of the center link being replaced unless it's bent. Its just a bar with 4 holes. What causes a bad linkage is inner and outer tie rods, and idler and pitmans arms. Bad hubs can cause looseness and mine caused wandering on the highway. I can get you part numbers if you would like

 

Thanks 50percentgenius I finally figured it out very early this morning .

For 2WD Blazers, the Pitman arm does not have a knuckle joint, there are two holes. So, it was designed so as you never should have to replace it (unless it's bent). The center link has two holes and two knuckles. The two knuckles, which attach to the idler and pitman arm, are what go bad on the 2WD drive trucks which can cause too much play in the steering linkage. And then of course there are the inner tie rods, which connect to the two holes in the center link, which can cause additional play if they are warn too much at the knuckle connections.

whooh. Glad I got that straight. What was confusing to me was the pitman arm. On my truck, one of the center link knuckles was fussed to the pitman arm making it almost impossible to get the two separated. Once I finished, late last night, I couldn't find the kind of pitman arm I had on my Blazer. Every parts retailer had one for 4WD but not 2WD. And those which had one said what they have SHOULD work on either one. Say what?!

 

I must have missed the 2WD part.
So does this mean you've got it all fixed?

 

Well, I figured out my delimma but I haven't installed all the new parts yet. So no, it's not fixed yet. I have to locate a socket large enough to take the nut off the pitman arm.

While I was trying to get the center link off the Blazer, I had a really tough time trying to get the knuckle which attaches to the pitman arm free. I ended up leaving part of the stud in the arm. So, now I need to take off the arm and drill out the remaining piece of the knuckle.

Or, I might call the local pick-n-pull to see how much a used one would cost me. It might be cheaper because I wouldn't have to rent or buy anymore tools (except maybe a pitman arm puller). We'll see tomorrow.

 

Isn't it an 18mm socket?
And a pitman arm puller is cheap at a place like harbor freight

 

50percentgenius, if you are talking about the nut which goes on the knuckle then yes, I believe you are right but that wasn't my problem. The problem was the knuckle itself. It was literally fused to the hole in the Pitman arm.

Well, I was able to get the piece of knuckle out of the Pitman arm yesterday by heating and oiling the chunk of metal. Eventually it gave way to my hammering and know I'm starting to get the new pieces together.

So here's my list of new parts (I know, I should have bought new tie rod sleeves after seeing what I purchased):

Center link (relay bar)
Idler arm
Inner and outer tie rods (both sides)
Upper ball joints (both sides)
Upper control arm bushings(both sides)

Ya, I basically have a new front steering linkage system...which should be good for another 150,000 miles. Oh, and I will save 500.00+ dollars doing it myself - bonus!

Oh, one more question. Should I paint the outer tie rods? All of the other pieces are painted black but not the outer tie rods. If so, would high temp. engine paint suffice?

 

I've finished replacing my steering linkage. What a project it's been! But talk about a better feeling ride! I even did a quick and dirty wheel alignment (courtesy of this video ) . My steering wheel is now centered and the tires pointing straight finally.

Now, on to the "spider assembly" cleaning.