Abstract: A pivot linkage including a non-contact, rotational angle measurement magnetoresistive sensor for interconnecting first and second rotating components of heavy equipment or machinery, the pivot joint linkage, including a ball joint or a cylindrical pin joint and the like. The sensor uses includes a permanent magnet incorporated into one portion of the joint for producing a magnetic field and a magnetoresistive sensor incorporated into the other portion of the joint for detecting changes in the direction of the magnetic field in response to relative rotation between the two rotating component.