Adjusting drag link
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Western Connecticut
Adjusting drag link
What's the preferred method for straightening the steering wheel? Wheels off the ground, on the ground? Which way to turn the drag link collar, pull down or push up?
Mike
Mike
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From: Midland, MI
When I did mine a while back, I just backed up a bit then pulled the truck forward so it was going straight and the wheels were straight. I then disconnected the drag link from the pitman arm and straightened out the steering wheel. Then I loosened the sleeve and adjusted the tie rod end of the link accordingly and bolted it back to the pitman arm. I did this all with all four wheels on the ground.
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From: Isanti, MN
Hi RattleNSmoke, sorry I didn't see this earlier.
Dennis' method will work, but it's not necessary to disconnect from the pitman arm. Just drive the truck forward until the wheels are pointing straight, loosen the two bolts on the adjusting sleeve and rotate the sleeve with some vice grips. Just turn it 1/2 turn and see where the wheel is at, and adjust from there.
It will probably take you ~5-10 minutes, it's easier than an oil change!
Dennis' method will work, but it's not necessary to disconnect from the pitman arm. Just drive the truck forward until the wheels are pointing straight, loosen the two bolts on the adjusting sleeve and rotate the sleeve with some vice grips. Just turn it 1/2 turn and see where the wheel is at, and adjust from there.
It will probably take you ~5-10 minutes, it's easier than an oil change!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,467
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From: Midland, MI
Hi RattleNSmoke, sorry I didn't see this earlier.
Dennis' method will work, but it's not necessary to disconnect from the pitman arm. Just drive the truck forward until the wheels are pointing straight, loosen the two bolts on the adjusting sleeve and rotate the sleeve with some vice grips. Just turn it 1/2 turn and see where the wheel is at, and adjust from there.
It will probably take you ~5-10 minutes, it's easier than an oil change!
Dennis' method will work, but it's not necessary to disconnect from the pitman arm. Just drive the truck forward until the wheels are pointing straight, loosen the two bolts on the adjusting sleeve and rotate the sleeve with some vice grips. Just turn it 1/2 turn and see where the wheel is at, and adjust from there.
It will probably take you ~5-10 minutes, it's easier than an oil change!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Good call Matt. My truck was from Alabama so I didn't have that issue. 
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Posting Guru
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From: Midland, MI
ah yes good point my Michigan truck needed plenty of that stuff lol
my Michigan truck needed plenty of that stuff lol
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Sean
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From: Millersburg, OH
One of the best methods I found to get the steering wheel perfectly straight is to pop the drag link off the pitman arm, straighten the steering wheel, chock the wheels (one on the front side of the tire and one rear side the tire), adjust the drag link so it fits exactly to the pitman arm without moving the wheels (the wheel chocks help with this) or steering wheel and finally reattach the drag link to the pitman arm.
Yes it sounds like a lot of work but I find it's easier to do this then to chase the adjustment which I always do. Also it drives me bonkers to have the wheel even slightly off center and I find that this way I can get it perfect.
Yes it sounds like a lot of work but I find it's easier to do this then to chase the adjustment which I always do. Also it drives me bonkers to have the wheel even slightly off center and I find that this way I can get it perfect.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I've done that with stubborn balljoints in the past, but the steering gear is a bit more sensitive to impact than a control arm. No way, no how, not EVER would I do that unless I was planning on replacing the steering gear.
A Lisle puller is only $22.80 shipped on Amazon.com. Far cheaper than a new steering gear or a new truck if you crack your sector shaft and wreck it.
A Lisle puller is only $22.80 shipped on Amazon.com. Far cheaper than a new steering gear or a new truck if you crack your sector shaft and wreck it.