VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Correct Drag Link

I have two steering drag links and both were on 1937 Chevrolet Master cars, but they look quite different. Which is the correct part or were both used during the course of the year? From memory, the one with multiple curves looks like the shape used in 1938. It is the better condition of my two, so I would like to use it if it was offered in 1937. Tom

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ekpelxjfbjwovl/1937%20Drag%20Link.jpg?dl=0

The straighter one on the bottom looks like the original on my 37 master sedan but I have seen the curved one advertised for the 37 master and the straight one advertised for the master deluxe. I don't know if they were both used on the master or not. I have always wondered about that. I'm pretty sure the one on my car is original.

The straight rod was used in production. Some where along the line it had problems and a redesigned rod was used for replacement.
The curved redesigned rod came with a different pitman arm.
The parts book says part # 603481 consists of One steering connecting rod and one pitman arm. The new style pitman arm has a forging number of 603402.

It is possible that the curved may have been used in production.....I am searching for confirmation as to which was which.

Uncle Ed - Thanks for the comments. Was your '37 Master assembled early in the model year?

I took both mine off complete cars but don't know the history to be sure they are original parts from the factory. The car with the straighter one had a fairly early production date. Hope someone knows if the curved part was used during the '37 production year or a later replacement part.

Thanks Chev Nut - just caught your post.
I'll check the pitman arms next for forging numbers and to see if they look different.

Chev Nut - Here is some more info which may help to sort out the steering change.
The pitman arm forging that was on the car with the curved drag link is #603462.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2tcypjv6ll8h1md/DSC09686.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/r2vulot80czm356/DSC09687.JPG?dl=0
Is it possible that this was a production part number for 1937 and #603402 was used in the service kit?

The pitman arm that was fitted to the straighter drag link is forging #594003 and it looks identical to the other except for the size of the ball that mounts to the drag link.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mylryd18oroc3pw/DSC09688.JPG?dl=0 The one for the curved drag link uses a 1 inch diameter connecting ball while the straighter drag link uses about a .875 inch diameter ball.

The original pitman arm was part number 594001 and the ORIGINAL straight drag link was part #594093.
These parts were discontinued 10-1-39 and replaced with the 603481 kit which included the new style curved drag link and new style pitman arm (due to larger ball size).
Did some parts book searching. Also this appears in a Service News I believe.
The change was also made for the 1938 HB.....and was done for increased durability.

Very interesting, I have wondered about the difference for some time.

Thanks for the history. I think I will go with the curved style even though it is a replacement part since it should be more durable.

The curved drag link was factory installed on 1939 Master 85 models.
The Master Deluxe with knee-action had the straight drag link only.

Just to pile on, a pic from the parts manual showing all of the 1938 steering parts.



Brian

I am late with this but my 37 (according to the serial #) was manufactured in July 1937.
It sounds like the curved one was an improved replacement.

The 1/2 ton trucks may be different but the 39 that I acquired for parts had the straighter drag link. I have not seen the double curved version.
Tony

Trucks nrver had the curved type.