Drag Link-repair or replace?
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 70
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From: Snohomish, Wa, USA
Drag Link-repair or replace?
I have a fair amount of slop in the junction between the pitman arm and drag link in my F2. How can I tell if I need a replacement drag link and or pitman arm, or if one of the drag link rebuild kits will do? Obviously replacing all would be best, but I dont want to spend money I dont absolutely have to....
Thanks,
Nick
Thanks,
Nick
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Drag Link-repair or replace?
You can adjust the ends on the drag link to remove some of the slop. Remove the cotter pin on the end and turn the end cap in or clockwise. I would also check the pitman arm itself. They usually wear badly on the ball end. You end up with a sort of flat spot on one side of the ball. very common. There are kits out there thru the parts suppliers and probably right on this site to rebuild the drag link. It's not a hard job. Sometimes on everybody's fav. auction site, complete drag links come up.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Snohomish, Wa, USA
Drag Link-repair or replace?
Thanks, guys, I will have a look this weekend, and see what the pitman arm ball looks like (eek!)
Vern, are you pieces in good shape? What did you replace them with?
So in the end, a drag link rebuild kit is probably as good as a new drag link? It sure a lot cheaper!
Nick
Vern, are you pieces in good shape? What did you replace them with?
So in the end, a drag link rebuild kit is probably as good as a new drag link? It sure a lot cheaper!
Nick
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Drag Link-repair or replace?
Nick,
I really don't how to tell how good the parts are. I drove the truck about a mile home when I bought it last fall and then dissembled the front suspension in preparation to install a Volare. It seemed to steer okay, but that's all I can say. Before that the truck had been sitting since 1984...at least that's the last time it was state inspected and licensed for the street.
I really don't how to tell how good the parts are. I drove the truck about a mile home when I bought it last fall and then dissembled the front suspension in preparation to install a Volare. It seemed to steer okay, but that's all I can say. Before that the truck had been sitting since 1984...at least that's the last time it was state inspected and licensed for the street.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Drag Link-repair or replace?
Originally posted by 50F2
... So in the end, a drag link rebuild kit is probably as good as a new drag link? It sure a lot cheaper!
Nick
... So in the end, a drag link rebuild kit is probably as good as a new drag link? It sure a lot cheaper!
Nick
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 736
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From: Owasso Oklahoma USA
Drag Link-repair or replace?
Disassemble the drag link and check for broken springs and a lack of lubrication which would cause excessive wear. Mine had a broken spring on the end attached to the pitman arm and it wore out the ball joint on the pitman arm. I rebuilt the drag link and replaced the pitman arm. Boy did that make a lot of difference in the steering.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
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From: USA
Drag Link-repair or replace?
I know this seems like a stupid question but i didn't have a drag link and ordered a new complete assembly. It came yesterday but it has a definate bend to it. The paint is not cracked so now i'm wondering if it should be bent? I figured it should be perfectly straight but with nothing to compare it to i'm not really sure. Oh yea, and i have a 50 Ford F-1. thanks.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
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From: Waynesville, OH
Drag Link-repair or replace?
It should be bent a little to get the ball joints in the ends lined up. The end with the bend should be toward the rear I believe. Here's a picture that might help.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
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From: USA
Drag Link-repair or replace?
That looks good George but i can't really see the drag link well enough to tell if the bend is the same. Here is a pic of my "new" drag link. Does this look correct?
Last edited by gizz; Apr 29, 2003 at 07:56 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Drag Link-repair or replace?
Nick
I don't know how far you tore the front end down but you should check the spring schackle bolts.
When I pulled them out of my 48 they were worn about half way through, that had to add to some of the slop I was feeling. It also scared the h*ll outa me.
I don't know how far you tore the front end down but you should check the spring schackle bolts.
When I pulled them out of my 48 they were worn about half way through, that had to add to some of the slop I was feeling. It also scared the h*ll outa me.
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