49 Merc steering linkage replacement question...

[timdhawk]

Is it generally a good idea to replace all steering linkage parts when doing a restore? If the seals are still relatively good with good grease still present... do you need to replace ball jointed parts like the center link or tie rod ends? Can you get away with cleaning everything up and adding some new seals and grease and calling it good, or is the $300 for new stuff pretty cheap insurance for future peace of mind?

Opinions...go!

 

[rotorwrench]

If your end bearings are still relatively tight, they are still serviceable. The rubber always takes a beating over time but its hard so get decent rubber that fits on some items well. The threaded A-arm bushings have a bit of play when they are new so many times they are still serviceable. The boots they sell now are small so you have to swell them up in solvent to get them to fit. The king pins should have very little play and the steering box should be tight with no roughness while turning.