adjustable drag link
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
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From: california
adjustable drag link
I'm gathering up parts to convert my 71 F250 4x4 to power steering and disc brakes. I now have a 78 dana 44 with dual piston calipers, master cylinder, proportion valve, steering box, pitman arm, power steering pump and drag link. I'm almost set for the swap. The part I'm actually after right now are part numbers for two tie rod ends and a sleeve to make an adjustable drag link. From what I've searched and read on FTE, the stock drag link from a 78-79 will not be long enough and will result in the steering not being able to turn as much one way over the other. I researched a Moog parts catalog, but it didn't have any specs. It did show the Garrison type drag link which looks like two tie rod ends attached to a hydraulic unit (most likely for the ram assist type P/S?). Anyone put together an adjustable drag link?
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: in the springs
dumb question does the one from the 78-79 have a doublethreaded adjuster sleeve?? if so would it bw plausible to set the thing up measure how much you are lacking aplit the adjuster and weld in a piece of heavy walled pipe that would fit around the outside of the adjuster (so as not to prevent the tie rod from screwing in) if you get it real close you should be able to adjust it to where it tracs properly.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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I would suggest perhaps going to an alignment shop, and seeing if they have an adjuster sleeve and a couple tie rod ends they could put together for you. I have the same problem, and I couldn't get anything from the parts stores, although most of those people don't know much about what they are selling anyway. I wound up using my old drag link from the manual, but it turns father to the right than to the left. If you get something to work, let us know how you did it. Good luck!
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
Real parts guys are scarce these days. Parts guys these days rely too much on the computers. They'll want to know irrelevent info. ie. you need a oil filter for your FE and they'll want to know if you have A/C, 2bbl or 4bbl, 2wd or 4wd, manual or auto. If you tell them you just want the Wix 51515, they won't know how to print out the invoice. I went to my friend's machine shop to look at his parts books because they might have specs. He won't modify suspension parts because he says it's too much of a liabilty for his business. Just then a kid from 4 Wheel Parts walks in and he claims they would have an adjustable drag link. I'll post results.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: seattle us
Faithful, I am undergoing the exact same thing on the exact same trucks right now and I find this interesting. I am trying to understand this because the frame widths at the engine are the same, so are the spring perches. If you mount the steering box in the same location so the pitman arm has the same angle, and you are using the entire front axle from the '78 I don't understand why the drag link would be an issue. I am not challenging your thoughts, just trying to understand because as I said, I am doing the same thing.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
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From: california
Comet, I don't believe that the new steering box would be exactly in the same place as the old box. It may be close, but it may mount slightly off enough to require some adjustment. From the threads that I've read, I've concluded that some guys have had trouble with not being able to turn one way more than the other. I just don't want to get to that point to find out the drag link is too short because this is also my work truck. I can't have too much down time. No truck, no work, no money. Well, it's mostly no money anyway. But as an American, no matter how much you make, it's never enough.
460, I'll ask about that Skyjacker drag link when I stop by 4 Wheel Parts. How's that truck coming along?
460, I'll ask about that Skyjacker drag link when I stop by 4 Wheel Parts. How's that truck coming along?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
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From: at my house
It's actually sittin at the exhaust shop this weekend so its pretty close to pounding some pavment. Even rolled in on its own power with everything functional. It has an adjustable draglink that came with the kit I ordered for my PS conversion. If u come up short with skyjacker I'll get ahold of the guy who has this kit on ebay.Well pretty soon I hope to have a new thread showing the truck with some new background other than the backyard!!
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
Comet, Just a heads up. I've done a bit of homework on setting up an adjustable drag link by measuring the taper on my 78 drag link studs. I'll be ordering the tie rod ends and sleeve tomorrow and I do believe they will fit according to the specs from the parts catalogs. I'll post part numbers and costs if it is a good fit. Now I think the only other thing I'll need to deal with is the steering column shaft. That shouldn't be a big deal. I've looked at the Borgeson website.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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The gentleman who sells the 4x4 conversion kit on ebay replied to me, and said he can sell the adjustable drag link he uses in his kit for $130. Sounds like a fair price to me, and I will probably purchase it once my move to Washington is complete. Try this link for a point of contact:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&category=42609
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&category=42609
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
I haven't talked to that guy, but not sure if his adjustable drag link will work for my application. I'm using a 78 4x4 axle and steering box set up on my 71. I believe he sells a kit that utilizes a 2wd steering box. Not sure if the pitman arm taper and steering arm taper would be the same as the 78. I measured the taper of the 78 drag link and found some numbers for the tie rod ends and sleeve. The parts store will have them tomorrow.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
Well, I picked up the tie rod ends and sleeve and they fit fine on the counter and seat well in the pitman arm and steering arm. Now I need to find some time to do the conversion. Axles are heavier than I figured! I'll be cleaning up the 78 Dana 44 and changing bearings, seals, gaskets, etc. before it goes on my truck. The tie rod ends that I'm going to use are Moog ES380R and ES380L. The sleeve is ES362S. The actual application for the tie rod ends are for a 67-72 F250 4x4. Not sure what the application for the sleeve is for, but it fits. I'll find out when things start going together.