I have been taking pics as I go. 
Spindle arm stud removal
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Neosho, MO
Spindle arm stud removal
How is this removed? I can't figure it out?
Spindle Arm Ball Stud - 3.18" Overall Length - All Ford Trucks Except 122 Inch Wheelbase - MAC's Antique Auto Parts
Spindle Arm Ball Stud - 3.18" Overall Length - All Ford Trucks Except 122 Inch Wheelbase - MAC's Antique Auto Parts
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Neosho, MO
The tie rod is on the other end... This end has a ball joint that has a housing that is part of the steering arm. It looks like maybe where the grease zert is at, the end pops off. I just dont' know how. The above link to Macs shows that somehow you can order a replacement???
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 36
From: South Carolina
Oh I see. I treated it like a tie rod end and just knocked it off. That is the drag link and as far as I can tell, there is no replacement of that end, just the whole drag link. I have been known to be wrong...
<a href="http://s1097.photobucket.com/albums/g349/newold46/46%20Ford%20rebuild/?action=view&current=DSCF1071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g349/newold46/46%20Ford%20rebuild/th_DSCF1071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" ></a>
I took mine off and found it to be good, changed the rubber boot and put it back on. Greased it up good and no problems. If I could copy/paste what I am looking at I would.
<a href="http://s1097.photobucket.com/albums/g349/newold46/46%20Ford%20rebuild/?action=view&current=DSCF1071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g349/newold46/46%20Ford%20rebuild/th_DSCF1071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" ></a>
I took mine off and found it to be good, changed the rubber boot and put it back on. Greased it up good and no problems. If I could copy/paste what I am looking at I would.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Neosho, MO
The ball has a little slack, but not too bad. Since I'm replacing the rest, I thought about replacing that as well. Most of the old truck "Earl" (from previous/maybe original owner) will stay as-is. But I decided brakes/ steering were really important, so I'm spending $$ to make sure its all good in those areas.
Safety first!!!!
Safety first!!!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: South Carolina
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2011
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It definitely removes from the steering arm the same way as a tie rod end, I just had mine out. Mine is worn out BAD. I figured you had to replace the whole drag link, didn't realize the thing came apart. I'd pop that thing from the steering arm with a tie rod end removal tool, and work on taking it apart on the bench.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 71
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Well, like I said, I had no idea it did come apart, I took mine off, replaced the tie rod end at the pitman arm, and realized that end was 'fixed', and said well, I'm gonna have to buy a drag link. I didn't notice anything that looks like the typical ball & socket used on some of the pitman arms, where there's a bug threaded insert that screws up against the ball, it appears to be a plain tie rod end/ball joint made onto the end of the drag link. I'd like to know if it comes apart myself, too. I know Speedway sells custom lengths of the tubing to fit our tie rod thread & taper, 11/16-18, 7 degree. I thought about buying the length I needed of that, and using actual tie rod ends on both ends. Since that's what's used at the pitman arm anyway, and on the to rod, I don't see what it'd hurt, as long as you got it set correctly.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Neosho, MO
I thought about using the below with a tie-rod end and threading the old drag link.
Tie Rod End Coupling Sleeve & Clamps - Ford Pickup, Ford Commercial & 122 Inch Wheelbase Truck - MAC's Antique Auto Parts
I called Macs, and they said to go to this site. Here is a link.
http://shop.rareparts.com/smtp/shopd...model=5777|1/2 TON PICKUP&iproduct=0049|STEERING, GEAR, PUMP & COMPONENTS
Tie Rod End Coupling Sleeve & Clamps - Ford Pickup, Ford Commercial & 122 Inch Wheelbase Truck - MAC's Antique Auto Parts
I called Macs, and they said to go to this site. Here is a link.
http://shop.rareparts.com/smtp/shopd...model=5777|1/2 TON PICKUP&iproduct=0049|STEERING, GEAR, PUMP & COMPONENTS
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2011
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Dang, over 200 for a drag link. Guess that's fair, if it lasts the 65 years my first one did. Ha Ha. But yeah, I was thinking something like you said, too, or like I said, the custom length threaded tie rods, but they'd have to be bent to clear the springs, like the factory one.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,584
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From: South Carolina
Take a look at these guys. I called them this morning about something else. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
Ford v8 Suspension Parts
Ford v8 Suspension Parts
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2011
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I just got to looking around for a 47 Ford drag link, and for some reason, a lot of places are showing the drag links on our trucks as being the ball and socket style, that has the large flat head screw in the end that tightens up against that ball you linked to up top. That is NOT the style drag link on my 47, and apparently not yours either. Ours do not come apart, and that ball is not replaceable on ours. You have to buy the whole drag link that has that end fixed, and takes a tie rod end at the pitman arm. I'm mobile, or I'd post a pic of the style that takes that ball.