OK. I finally collected all the parts to make an adjustable drag link for the 78-79 3/4 T 4x4 PS conversion. I wound up with (1) ES2012S adjusting sleeve, (1) ES444L tie rod end, and (1) ES2396R tie rod end (MOOG numbers). Because the 2396R is about 5 1/4" long, there is about a 2" gap between the tie rod threaded ends inside the sleeve, but got full thread engagement, and that will vary by where you wind up mounting your steering box. And the taper on the 2396R stud must be a little smaller than the 444L, because I had to use a 9/16" flat washer under the nut in order to get the taper to seat properly. But that seemed to work just fine. I'm not sure what the deal is on the metric spec for the 2396R that my parts guy was talking about, because a 13/16" socket fit the nut perfectly.
I hadn't remembered how short my solid drag link was, compared to what I really needed, so have high hopes for greatly improved steering performance. The steering wheel turned out to be almost exactly 1/2 rotation off! I haven't road tested yet because I am still waiting for custom e-brake cables to arrive for my new rear disc brake conversion, so I can make the final adjustment on the brakes. But I will have to drive it tomorrow regardless, because I am getting ready for another road trip later this week. So hopefully I will have good things to report then.
JFWIW, and Good Luck! Steve

 

I've been looking for an adjustable center link (between the pitman and passenger side). If anyone knows of one of those, I'd appreciate that info too.

 

Steve,
I make the stock 78 drag link out to be about two to two and a half inches too short. Are you getting the right length out of the one you tried? My best guess is it should be about 16 inches over all lenth(measure at center of studs) plus or minus 1/2 inch. What is the length on the one you have now?

Ralph

 

Ralph,
I measured the stock drag link to be just about 13 5/8", and my custom job wound up at 14 7/8". The length requirement will vary by where you mount your steering box, as I mentioned before, but there is plenty of "meat" in the custom assembly to get another inch if you needed it.
JFWIW, I finally got out and road tested this afternoon, and it does have a better "center" feel than before, but it wasn't the real dramatic improvement in "tight" that I was hoping for. Of course, it really wasn't bad before anyway, except I am used to my little Audi and the rack and pinion steering on it. Guess I won't ever be able to autocross the old hi-boy after all!
Steve

 

Steve,
I haven't decided on the exact placement of the gearbox just yet. I was trying to find all the parts I would need before mounting the box and then not being able to get the proper length draglink. My luck it would be off a 1/4 inch longer than the draglink I had. So right now I'm just exploring the possibilities out there.

Thanks,

Ralph

 

Update! I talked with skyjacker today and they sell an adjustable drag link for the 78-79 F250 4x4 with a 4" drop. Now for those of you switching over to this box here's something to consider; the stock Highboy, pre 77-1/2 had a factory 4" lift. The 78 as far as I know did not, as it is no longer considered a Highboy.
Now my 74 F250 frame has a Skyjacker 2 inch lift, softride springs, and it looks as if the 4 inch drop draglink will do exactly what I want. The over all length with the ends screwed all the way in is 15 inches(according to Skyjacker). I need about 16 which will leave a nominal 1" gap in the center of it when adjusted out to 16". I'm going to take a few more measurements before I call and order one, but I think in my case this might actually work.
Anyone tried one of these before?