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I added a 3" drop axle to my 1956 F100 and noticed that the factory drag link is slightly too long. After looking into heating the curved steering arm, I saw this pic:
Given how the pitman arm and steering box output shaft are made, its not possible to do that. It goes on one way only, no clocking it another direction. You can see what I mean from the image below. The shaft and pittman arm are machined with just a few teeth on the bottom that have to line up.
The draglink shown in your photo doesn't appear to be a factory link for '56. The one you show, may be longer than stock, hard to say. However, not sure that a factory one works with the 3" drop you mention either. Will need someone who has been through this to chime in.
I'm subscribing as I'm interested about this as well. I've seen posts on the requirement for a modified draglink.
I bought front 4" drop mono springs, Toyota box, pitman arm and draglink from a guy that changed to a Mustang II IFS (told me he wished he hadn't spent the time and money because he didn't see that much of an approvement). The draglink he had was exactly like my original. I've been holding off installing the stuff because I can't find the correct shocks. He kept the QA1s he was running but when I go to QA1's site I can't find a shock with anything close to the travel that's left with the lowered vehicle.
BJ I am in need of shocks I just got all the stuff on the truck and it lowered 3" stock axle smooth and forward springs from mid fifty the shocks are worn out. So you are saying that I will need different travel shocks ? Guys I'am not trying to hi-jack.
BJ I am in need of shocks I just got all the stuff on the truck and it lowered 3" stock axle smooth and forward springs from mid fifty the shocks are worn out. So you are saying that I will need different travel shocks ? Guys I'am not trying to hi-jack.
Hopefully we won't get chastised but it does go along with the lowering of the stock straight axle question of draglink under the "additional things needed"
Yes,
The original F100 shock didn't have much travel to begin with but when lowered it takes two to three inches away. I'll PM YOU a little PPT I drew up to record what you might need and the research I've done.
That's definitely not a stock drag link. Absolutely no reason for two adjusting sleeves on any drag link and we all know if they can save a penny they won't spend it. Did the original '56 drag link have those 'modern' type ends to begin with? I would expect to see the old style key-slotted joints.
Not sure if this is what you are looking for. We machined this between
centers left & right threads on the lathe. The problem is Origional Box
the ball & cup style has to go to a GMC spindle (disk brake) that has
a normal tie rod end. The pic shows it in place without the clamps. Threaded
so a good 2 inch adjustment can be made to center the box.
Not sure if this is what you are looking for. We machined this between
centers left & right threads on the lathe. The problem is Origional Box
the ball & cup style has to go to a GMC spindle (disk brake) that has
a normal tie rod end. The pic shows it in place without the clamps. Threaded
so a good 2 inch adjustment can be made to center the box.
I have thought about doing something similar, but I am looking for more of a pick-n-pull parts solution. I remember some thread on here about a guy who had a conversation with Sid from Sid's drop axles and Sid used an adjustable drag link on his personal vehicle. However, I cannot find that post. And instead of posting speculation about where that pittman arm is to be found, I will hold off and try to post facts.
Thanks for all that have replied, I will keep trying to figure this out.
Hopefully we won't get chastised but it does go along with the lowering of the stock straight axle question of draglink under the "additional things needed"
Yes,
The original F100 shock didn't have much travel to begin with but when lowered it takes two to three inches away. I'll PM YOU a little PPT I drew up to record what you might need and the research I've done.
No worries, I have to figure out the shocks next. So I thought that with just a drop axle you were fine with stock length shocks? Only changes in the spring would affect that.
02-18-2016, 03:54 PM
