'72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

[Billy Olson]

I was going to pull the oil pan to repair the drain plug threads then I noticed that the drag link/relay rod was rubbing the pan. I think it is bent but can't tell for sure. From other pictures I've seen it looks like it is supposed to have a compound bend on the pasenger side where the tie rod hole is, but not quite the way mine is bent.

I also found that the steering tie rods are slightly bent....some mighty fine repair job done on this car in the past..... It always drove nice and tracked perfectly, but now having seen the problem I have to fix it.

Thanks for any help.

Billy




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[Billy Olson]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod??? *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

Bill-----

The angularity of the section between the right side tie rod connection and the idler arm looks to be a little excessive. However, it's very hard to say, for sure, from the photo. The rest of the rod looks ok. Is it actually contacting the pan? They do run very close to the pan.

The left side tie rod tube appears definitely bent. The tie rod ends may be bent, too.

[Billy Olson]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

Thanks Joe. Yes, the rod is actually contacting the pan and has worn a groove into the pan. I think I'll just replace the rod to be safe. The wear groove combined with the need for the thread repair has me contemplating just buying a new pan, but I seem to recall (and by looking at the major Corvette suppliers) that the LT-1 pans are difficult to come by. Any advice on where to purchase one?

Billy

[Phil P.]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

bill--i agree with joe on the bent tie rods--they are more likely to bend being hollow than the solid drag link---it looks like the drag link is pushed up towards the oil pan verses towards the rear of the car---i would buy new tie rods and ends as a start to see if it cures the pan rub issue---good luck---phil

[John H.]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

The idler arm also appears to have taken a major whack, straight up, which is driving the relay rod into the oil pan.

[Jim T.]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

Billy I am sure you know about the lower control arm bushing in the photo.

[Billy Olson]

Re: '72 LT-1 bent drag link/relay rod???

Hi Jim,

Do you mean the dry rotting? I probably should do a full re-build. Thanks.

Billy