Drag Link Wear

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Apr 24, 2006 | 08:00 PM

Campbell 56

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Drag Link Wear

So I'm installing the Toyota power steering box in my '56. Lots of small issues like how to hook up the shift linkage on my Flaming River tilt column shifter column. Nothing impossible, just not "bolt in and go" the way I dreamed it was to be. I've made three floor plates to get the column pointing where I want it to be.

The real question is, "How do I know when the drag link is worn out?" The one I have is most likely original or at least old and used. I see some wear marks from the spring loaded cups on both ends. And then (sorry two questions in one post!), how do I adjust the spring compression? I can't find anything about it in my factory manual. Seems to me that a poorly adjusted drag link would make the monkey more drunken on the road.

Apr 24, 2006 | 11:28 PM

sierraben

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From: San Francisco, Ca.

They make a "drag link end repair kit" that's cheap at around $15.00 ea.

Something to think about considering that those drag links are old and most likely have never been serviced.

Apr 25, 2006 | 11:59 AM

dffay

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: New Mexico

Rebuild the drag link.....

Also check the ball ends at the steering arm and the pitman arm. They get egg-shaped. The new ones I bought mic'd at .98-.99 inch. They need to be pressed in by a monster hydraulic press but you're into it so far--why not?

Apr 25, 2006 | 01:17 PM

sierraben

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dffay, where did you get the ball ends that fit on the ends of both the pitman arm and steering arm?

Apr 25, 2006 | 03:50 PM

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

Just tighten them all the way and then back it out until you can get the cotterpin in. The springs are there to soften a hard hit to the tire to save the gearbox teeth. If the wear is more than a shiny spot replace the ball. A new ball comes on the conversion pitman arm and Mid Fifty sells replacement ***** for the steering arm IIRC.

Last edited by AXracer; Apr 25, 2006 at 03:55 PM.

Apr 25, 2006 | 09:13 PM

Campbell 56

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Thanks!

Thanks for the help guys. Always good info here. The swing arm ball is fine, shiney, but no ridges. I was wondering about the wear inside the drag link where the cups and springs move back and forth. I noticed pair of marks that look like something has rocked around a pin. Will that kind of wear be a problem? Normally I assume any wear is ultimately not good, but was just wondering.

Apr 25, 2006 | 09:54 PM

AXracer

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From: Durham NC

IMO, as long as the wear is not severe it shouldn't be any problem since it's not a precision fit and a low velocity joint. Replace the grease fittings with new, grease it up fully with a good wheel bearing grease and make sure the dust boots are intact. Give it a shot of grease each time you change the oil or twice a year if you drive it in the wet.