Steering
Linkages
Steering linkages
There are four common types of steering linkages, but the most popular are conventional (parallelogram) and rack and pinion steering, which are common to most cars and light trucks.
1. Conventional
linkage
2. Rack and pinion linkage
3. Cross steer linkage
4. Haltenberger linkage
1. Conventional linkage
In a conventional linkage system, motion from the steering gear is transmitted to the centerlink through a
Pitman arm. The centerlink is attached to the steering arm of each wheel by tie rod assemblies, each consisting of two tie rods and an adjusting sleeve. An idler arm attached to the frame, with the aid of the
Pitman arm, keeps the centerlink and linkage level. All of these components work together to enable the left and
right wheels to turn. This linkage is used on many trucks, full-size vans and rear wheel drive passenger cars. It may also be called a parallelogram linkage due to
the Pitman and Idler Arm being parallel to each other.
2. Rack and pinion
linkage
This linkage usually consists of two tie rods (an inner and outer) on each side of the vehicle. This linkage is found on passenger cars and other light vehicles. Rack and pinion gears and linkage are popular because they are lightweight and use little space.
There are two types of rack and pinion linkages:
A. End take-off
B. Center take-off
 A. End
take-off is commonly used on many vehicles. In this linkage, the tie rods attach
at the ends of the rack gear. The inner tie rod is externally threaded and
threads directly into the outer tie rod.
B. Center take-off is
becoming more popular due to it's ability to absorb road shock. The tie rods attach to
the rack gear at the center of the gear. This type linkage may use an
adjuster stud to adjust linkage length. The inner tie rod is attached to
the gear with a through bolt. The inner tie rod consists of a bushing 
pressed into a steel housing. The
bushing is serviceable separately. If the OE style bushing is being
installed a special tool (T40219) is recommended. A two-piece bushing is
also available which is easier to install.
Two other types of linkages — cross steer and Haltenberger — are used mainly on
Ford Twin I-Beam and older straight axle light to heavy trucks:
 3.
Cross steer linkage: This consists of two tie rods and an adjusting sleeve that are parallel to the axle and connect the left and right wheels. Additional linkage is required to connect the left steering arm to the steering gear. Cross steer linkage is used on older, non-independent suspension
light to heavy trucks.
One of many cross steer variations is shown here. This design has two distinct tie rod assemblies. The tie rod assembly that connects to the wheels has an adjustment sleeve for wheel alignment. A steering damper (found on many four wheel drive vehicles to reduce wheel
shimmy and absorb road shock) is connected to the long left tie rod. Another tie rod assembly connects the
Pitman arm to the steering arm. The adjustment sleeve here is used to center the steering wheel.
Note: The cross steer configuration may change, depending on vehicle model and year. Refer to the catalog as needed.
 4.
Haltenberger linkage
This linkage is used primarily on Ford twin I-Beam trucks. The right-side connecting tie rod connects directly to the
Pitman arm and to the right wheel. The left side connects the left wheel to the right connecting tie rod. Early designs had one adjustment sleeve. In this design, the right connecting tie rod was one piece, and the left side was a three-piece assembly with an adjustment sleeve. Later designs have an additional adjustment sleeve for the right wheel. On these vehicles, the right side has become a three-piece assembly. The inner tie rod is referred to as the connecting tie rod.
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