Steering Linkage

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Nov 26, 2006 | 07:16 PM

shenders99

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Steering Linkage

So as most of you know I just installed new ball joints and still have some noise. I have found that the Drag Link can be moved quite a bit by rocking it back and forth. It seems that the ball joints that connect it to the pitman arm and tie rods may be bad.

So does anyone know if I can just replace the ball joints or will I need the drag link pieces with the ball joints in them.

Also, could this be normal.

Thanks Guys.

Nov 26, 2006 | 08:13 PM

rebelchevy02

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From: Milroy, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenders99

They are called tie tod ends. And IIRC the drag link consists of a long side, and one that is actually just a tie rod end, so you get both ends and just use the clamp that holds the two together, i dont think it was that expensive when i replaced mine.

Nov 26, 2006 | 08:17 PM

shenders99

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelchevy02

I may not know the correct terms but it is not the tie rods. The two tie rods, one long one short joined togethter, both attach to the knuckles with ball joints. Then the drag link attaches to the tie rod and the pitman. This link also has two ball joints on it. These are the two ball joints in question.

Nov 26, 2006 | 08:20 PM

rebelchevy02

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From: Milroy, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenders99

Right, the draglink has a tie rod end on each end, but one side is actually a tie rod end, and the other end is on a long bar. what your refering to as ball joints is called a tie rod end, even though its on the drag link. Same thing i replaced, there is a sleeve, that has two bolts on mine that joins them together, close to the pitman arm, as that is the short side.

Nov 26, 2006 | 08:22 PM

shenders99

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Okay, I get it.

Thanks.

Nov 26, 2006 | 08:24 PM

rebelchevy02

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From: Milroy, PA

I replaced them on a 99, and IIRC it was under 70 for both ends?
EDIT: dont forget to measure the length, center to center, or your wheel wont be straight anymore

Last edited by rebelchevy02; Nov 26, 2006 at 08:26 PM.

Nov 26, 2006 | 08:30 PM

PowerstrokeJunkie

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From: 21791

When i had to install my drop pitman arm i used a pickle fork, which of course ripped the oot. After i washed it last i greased the fitting and i saw lots of water pour out. I dont pump grease in it every time it gets wet, and i'd like to get new ones. I can pop the actual tie rod's "tie-rod ends" off without ripping the boot now. When i get trac bars, i'd like to powdercoat them blue, along with the trac bar, drag link, and tie rod. I think it'd look good, and i'd get a new drag link at that time. They are prone to wear as all of the steering force transmitted out of the pitman arm has to be withstood with those drag link ball joints. I have excessive steering wheel play, and after the sector shaft adjustment im pointing at them.