[briansansone]

Hello from Brian Sansone.

A good freind has just purchased a 77 dodge b20 conversion van ( for $100 ). I get to fix it! Only 50k original milage. My biggest concerns are in the steering. The steering shaft coupler in the engine compartment is in the worst shape of any I have ever seen. It really looks on the verge of failure.What are my options for fixing it? I would rather fabricate something or find an after market replacement than find a worn junkyard part. My other concern is the steering linkage. There is about 3 to 4 inches of play at the steering wheel before the steering catches. It appears that most of the play is at the pitman arm to drag link connection. Is there a bushing at this union that can be replaced, or do I have to replace both the arm and link? I'm sure some of the play is at the other components. Is there a rebuild kit available for the whole system, or should I replace all the steering components? The steering box seem pretty responsive and appearse to be in O.K shape. This is a heavy old van and I definitly want it to steer as best as it possibly can. I'm sure some of you hottrodders out there can help me out.

Thanks so much,
Brian

P.S first dodge I have ever fooled with - too bad it's not a chevy! J.K dodge fans.

[Deuce]

That's a lot of wear and problems for only 50 thousand miles.....maybe the odometer really should read 150,000 or 250,000
Replace the pitman arm.......and check for other worn out parts....replace as necessary.....I would buy a new shaft coupler too.....