I was a little short on cash when I redid my '71 Dart front end recently, so I only replaced everything from the outer tie rod ends outward and added a swaybar. Now I want to go 'head and spring for new pitman arms, idler arms inner tie rod ends and tie rod adjusting sleeves.

I notice in my PST catalog that there are different A-body idler arms listed ('68-'72 & '73-'85) ditto for pitman arms ('62-'72 & '73-'76).

So here's my question: what are the differences? Is this just a matter of spline count, or are the arms differently shaped or something as well? I can't think of any reason why my having swapped from 9" drums to single piston caliper discs (from a '74 Dart) as part of my rebuild would change which of these parts I would require, but correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Thanks for the help.

---Red

The pitman arm spline size got larger in 73 and I think the "drop" is less for both arms on the 73-76 chassis and was used with a different shaped center link. (a larger oil pan dip in it)

I have successfully "mixed and matched" these parts so just be sure to use the correct pitman arm to fit the splines of your steering box and use the same year idler arm. (with the same "drop" as the pitman arm)

If I remember right, my drag car 68 B'cuda has a spool type 74 K-frame with a 66 quick ratio steering box with 68 idler and pitman arms coupled to a centerlink with a large dip in it. (I forget what year) I also used the C-Body 11/16 tie rod assemblies and ended-up with a super quick and precise steering feel with tons of oil pan clearance. This "mix & matched" steering system aligned without problem and has very little bumpsteer seeing the tie rods are near flat at ride height. (a low ride height at that)
DD

Good. Since I'm using the stock '71 steering box and oil pan, sounds like I should order as though the whole shebang was still stock '71 A-body. That makes sense, since what I have on there so far aligned just fine. Only downside is that the same parts for the older cars are spendier by $45.00 (youch). Oh well...atsa breaks.
Thanks again.

---Red