C1 Draglink and Pitman

[Bill B.]

Does 49 Chevy draglink and pitman arm fit correctly on our solid axles (mine is a 58). Not going for show just restored driver.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Pretty sure Draglinks will interchange but have a feeling the angle of vet pitman arm may differ from the 49 to 54 chevy pitman arm angle. am certain the 49 pitman will fit the splines of the vet sector but not sure about angle. give it a try and let us know. mike

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Mike, only problem I have is that it may take another 30 days before I can travel to see my car and eyeball stuff. I can get rebuilt correct link and pitman arm from a restorer for $200. Or, I can pickup a 49 era chevy passenger link and arm for less than $20.00 and rebuild the link myself. Guess worst case would be that I would just have to get a correct pitman arm. Previous owner of my car had put passenger pitman on steering box and splines fit or at least I think it looked like it fit. Bet the geometry is a little different but I don't know what actual difference this makes? Trying to save a couple of bucks but do the safe thing.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

My gut feeling is that if there was a difference in the two pitman arms and the restorer offering the draglink and pitman arm, the cost would be way more than 200 bucks .mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Bill------

The pitman arm and relay rods used for 1953-62 Corvettes were unique-to-Corvette pieces; they were not used on any other model Chevrolet. Whether or not the passenger car pieces can be made to be functional for a 53-62 Corvette, I do not know.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Bill,
I own both: 51 Chev and 56 Vette.
The pitman arms are ABSOLUTELY DIFFERENT!!
The pass car arm is straight and the Vette arm is curved.
The drag links are different lengths, but it may be possible to use the pass car drag link on a Vette, since they have a threaded rod for adjusting the overall length.
By the way, my 51 DOES have original and correct parts, because I bought if from my Granddad in 62 and he bought it new in 51.

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Joe, I just recently started my restoration on this project which I picked up in baskets about five years ago. Also, I found a pitman arm and draglink in box in my garage with the following casting number 3691185GM202A. Suspect this would be passenger or truck series pitman with draglink? Would you know from the numbers?

Tom, In checking this pitman arm it looks like it measures 6 inch spline hole center to link stud center. It is straight casting with the stud section offset 1 inch from the spline section. The link large center rod section (before threads) is 4 3/16 inch long and the coupling sections are 4 1/8 inch long. I have not taken it apart to see how long threads are. If not too much trouble, would you be able to give same type measurements from your 56 and I could eliminate or use based on your info. I am certain that someone will send me this info so don't break a leg doing it!

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Bill-----

GM #3691185 is the forging number for the 1949-54 passenger car, without power steering, pitman arm.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Passenger car drag link used two equal-length ends with a center coupler. Corvette used one end the same length as the passenger car end, and the opposite end was substantially longer. Passenger car is too short to be used safely on a Corvette.
Mike Ernst

[Bill B.]

Re: C1 Draglink and Pitman

Thanks to all you folks. I am convinced and will do what my gut told me to do long ago--get the correct items.