I am checking everything under the front end for looseness (70-75 mph vibration).

Should a drag link be able to twist? It does not slide from side to side, but it does twist in my hands (about 1 inch).

Also, my f250 (2002) does not seem to have a steering damper (shock). When did Ford start putting the shock on the SD?

Thanks.

 

Yes, the drag link should be able to rotate on the small ball-joints. Any motion other than rotational, however, means the joint is worn.

To check them, I like to wrap my hand around the joint and have someone turn the wheel sharply back and forth (about 20-30°). If the joint is worn, I can feel the movement.