Ball Joint Conversion - Drag Link Length?
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Trailering
Joined: May 2017
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Ball Joint Conversion - Drag Link Length?
I'm looking to do the conversion from kingpins to ball joints on my 1980 F100 and figured I would replace the steering while I'm at it. According to the Moog website, the outer tie rods, adjusters, and left inner tie rod are the same for 80-96 2wd trucks. There is a difference in drag links apparently, one for 80-85 - PN# DS1018T (45.45") and another for 86-96 - PN# DS1138T (33.80"). I assume I need one the same length as what I have originally but does anyone know why the later one is almost 12" shorter than the earlier one?
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From: Virginia
So, you bought these lowering beams correct?
https://djmsuspension.com/product/19...ering-i-beams/
So I would use the later model draglink. I would pretend your truck is a 1985 f150 and order everything for that year. Then it should match correct?
https://djmsuspension.com/product/19...ering-i-beams/
So I would use the later model draglink. I would pretend your truck is a 1985 f150 and order everything for that year. Then it should match correct?
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Trailering
Joined: May 2017
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Likes: 1
Those are the beams I plan to get, still in the parts gathering phase right now. I'm going order everything for a later model truck, I agree that sounds like the best strategy. Still wondering where that length went from the old drag link to the newer one. Steering gearbox moved? Longer ears on the knuckles? Am I over thinking it?
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Those are the beams I plan to get, still in the parts gathering phase right now. I'm going order everything for a later model truck, I agree that sounds like the best strategy. Still wondering where that length went from the old drag link to the newer one. Steering gearbox moved? Longer ears on the knuckles? Am I over thinking it?
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Trailering
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
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Trailering
Joined: May 2017
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I went to my local wrecking yard this morning that has a good number of OBS Fords. I measured a 84 2wd F150 drag link and got approximately 33.5". I then measured a 95 F150 2wd drag link and got the same length as the 84. After returning home I measured the drag link on my 80 2wd F100 and got the same length as the two from the wrecking yard. Based on what I found I'll go with the shorter drag link (PN# DS1138T - 33.80"). Maybe the long one (DS1018T - 45.45") is for manual steering?
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