Hey guys, been lurking for a while and now I've got a question. I have a 1970 F100 4x4, and my draglink is shot. I don't have the money for a new one right now, so I was thinking of going to the u pull it. Any good ways to tell if they're ok since I won't be able to wiggle the steering wheel and feel? Also, what years would fit. Thanks. Matt

 

if it is possible its always a good idea to be under it while someone else moves the steering wheel back and forth so you can watch and listen for play. otherwise you can grab hold of the drag link or center link its sometimes called and see if it moves. or moving the tire/wheel around while its jacked up is a good way to test it also. plus you can tell if theyve never been greased. i wonder what a junkyard would charge you for one. because i got mine from autozone brand new for 90 bucks. between that, new kingpins, new ragjoint, and new power steering pump it feels pretty good.

 

Most U-Pulls have the vehicles supported off the ground, so wiggling the steering wheel doesn't really work to check for play.
Grab both joints and try to move them toward and away from their attaching point. (That would be up and down out at the right spindle) . If you feel play, pass on the part.
Also, have someone try and turn the right wheel/spindle from right to left, feel for play in the joints.

Those "drag links" used to be way darn expensive. I had a 72 bumpside in 1979 and it was over $130 in 1979 dollars!! (~$350-400 today) They're only about $70-90 these days. Unless you're unemployed, there's really no reason to buy a used one. Especially if it's a daily driver that gets you to work every day. Sorry, JMHO.

 

On a 4x4, just grab it and give it a shake.

 

C6TZ3304R .. Draglink / Obsolete

Fits: 1966/72 F100 4WD // 1973/75 F100 4WD with Manual Steering // 1975 F150 4WD with Manual Steering.

MATLOCK FORD-MERCURY in Franklin IN has ONE.

WESLEY OBSOLETE PARTS in Liberty KY has ONE = 606-787-5293.

ED BENNETT FORD PARTS in Lebanon PA has ONE = 717-272-8762.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has THREE = 800-543-4959.

No other Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

 

Thanks guys. Unemployment ran out a few months ago, and nobody's hiring, so I"ve been doing day lober to scrape by, whcih is why I thought about he u pull it. But it would cost me about $25-30 with gas, plus my time, and without being abotu to wiggle the wheel I might get a bad one. I just found one at rock auto for around $55 with shipping, so I'm gonna try and order it later this week. Just hope my annoying wobble doesn't trun deadly, or shake the truck apart til I can get the new one. Thanks again.