Greg W 41 Dodge WC Posted October 9, 2023 Report Share Posted October 9, 2023 I’m about to rebuild my drag link with a kit I purchased from DMC a while back. I have never done this before and was hoping that someone who has might have some useful tips. Thx, Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Roberts Posted October 10, 2023 Report Share Posted October 10, 2023 I haven't put in a kit before but I can tell you that when you do the adjustment , remove all of the slop or you will have sloppy steering . The tool shown is for the job and fits on a 1/2 inch ratchet or breaker bar . You might get by with making your own tool with a piece of flat steel . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TodFitch Posted October 10, 2023 Report Share Posted October 10, 2023 I believe you pretty much must tighten the plug until it fully compresses the spring. At least it feels that way. I think the spring is to take up wear more than to absorb road shocks. I have an old hand impact tool that came with some bits including one that looks like that oversized screwdriver bit in Jerry's photo and it is what I used to tighten the ends on my drag link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg W 41 Dodge WC Posted October 11, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2023 Thanks guys. I thought that this would be a quick and easy fix to take some of the slop out of my steering, but alas we live in a world of old trucks and things are rarely quick and easy ?. When I took the drag link apart, I noted that the previous owner had only installed parts 1,2,3 & 1/2 of 4 from the diagram above. When I tried to install the new kit, with spring, etc., it doesn’t all fit no matter how much the spring is compressed. That is probably why they assembled it as they did. So, back to the drawing board. I’m going to see if I can find a correct old drag link somewhere that I can rebuild properly. Alternatively, I might try to shorten the spring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9 foot box Posted October 12, 2023 Report Share Posted October 12, 2023 I recently removed the rack and pinion steering that was in my 41 WC. The drag link ends are not the same, and need to be assembled differently. If you reassemble it according to the service manual, I think it will go together okay. Rick D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted October 13, 2023 Report Share Posted October 13, 2023 Oddly enough, that’s called a drag link socket. They’re not too expensive. It would be a worthwhile purchase if you plan to do drag link work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TodFitch Posted October 13, 2023 Report Share Posted October 13, 2023 1 hour ago, Merle Coggins said: Oddly enough, that’s called a drag link socket. They’re not too expensive. It would be a worthwhile purchase if you plan to do drag link work. Thanks! I never knew the name or even that they had a specific name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg W 41 Dodge WC Posted October 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2023 Thanks for the support guys. Per usual, when I took my time, consulted the manual, listened to the advice of experts, disassembled and degreased everything, the job was fairly straightforward. I met my goal of removing most of the slop from my steering wheel (one of the drag link springs was broken). My installation tool is not available on eBay or Amazon however ?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted October 13, 2023 Report Share Posted October 13, 2023 The socket sets back in the day came with the specific socket for servicing the drag link..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LazyK Posted October 13, 2023 Report Share Posted October 13, 2023 45 minutes ago, Greg W 41 Dodge WC said: My installation tool is not available on eBay or Amazon however ?. I've got one just like that. Have had it for years. Long before eBay or Amazon.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Roberts Posted October 14, 2023 Report Share Posted October 14, 2023 There are a lot of them on ebay starting at $8.50 . Search drag link tool . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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