Drag Link??? Steering Problems
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Drag Link??? Steering Problems
I have been told a few times by people that know fords good and they all told me that i need a new drag link? i have about 5 inches of play in the steering wheel and the bar in the front(dont know what it is called)moves up and down when i turn the wheel. it has a new gear box on it and i was told it is prolly the drag link if anyone knows what a drag link consists of would you please tell me also what would be a good one to get? i have about an 8 or 9 inch lift on the truck would somthing have to be special ordered for the lift? looking for help and i know this is the place to go!
thx Eric
thx Eric
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, Colorado
Your pitman arm should already compensate the for the lift. The drag link is listed at most parts stores as the inner tie rod end. There is one at the pitman arm, and one that connects to the pass side. They seem to wear out pretty quick with big tires. I bought mine at Napa as their premium brand is made by Dana/Spicer. I only needed the one at the pitman arm it was
part #269-3081 for $51.88.
You need to get under the truck while somebody turns the wheel back and forth and look at every thing that moves for slop. The track bar bushings will cause wandering when they are worn also.
You can also check the tie rod ends by yourself if you have a big set of channel locks. Like this:
There should be a minimal amount of compression movement. More than 1/8" is time to start thinking about new ones, as once they are worn a bit the wear really accelerates fast. While your at it check your wheel bearings and ball joints up front.
The safety of you and others on the road with you depend on the steering of your truck, and these trucks are known to wear the parts out faster than most, especially with a lift and big tires.
Austin
part #269-3081 for $51.88.
You need to get under the truck while somebody turns the wheel back and forth and look at every thing that moves for slop. The track bar bushings will cause wandering when they are worn also.
You can also check the tie rod ends by yourself if you have a big set of channel locks. Like this:
There should be a minimal amount of compression movement. More than 1/8" is time to start thinking about new ones, as once they are worn a bit the wear really accelerates fast. While your at it check your wheel bearings and ball joints up front.
The safety of you and others on the road with you depend on the steering of your truck, and these trucks are known to wear the parts out faster than most, especially with a lift and big tires.
Austin
Last edited by AustinS; Jan 20, 2008 at 02:09 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton FL
Like austin said the pitman arm should be dropped considerably for a 8-9 inch lift my 6in is quite a bit lower than a stock arm. Ford calls that part the centerlink on a 4 wheel drive, its about 60 bucks at the dealer, they have also been known to break as we have seen on here lately so if its going you definitely need to change it.
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