1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I have a 1935 running a 1935 axle but has been upgraded to juice brakes via 1946 spindles. I need to buy a drag link. I'm not sure if I should buy the 35 -40, 41 or 42- 48 drag link. My drag link bolts taper down like a 41-48 but i dont have the width of a 42-48 car. Can i buy a 37 -40 drag link and rotate the tie rod on the spindle side. Or maybe a 41 only drag link since it bolts taper down but is a narrow track like a 35? Or a 42 -48 and adjust in the tie rod?
Any input is appreciated.

Thanks Kevin

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Are you referring to the tie-rod and tie-rod ends or the drag link? You can have a tie-rod made to any length you want. They have Left-hand threads in one end and Right-hand threads in the other so you can fine adjust the toe-in by twisting it to move the end in and out.

The drag link has to match the spindle at the front and the pitman arm at the back.

As an example using Speedway:

"These tie rod or drag link kits are pre-cut and tapped lengths of 7⁄8" O.D. tubing available multiple lengths. Kits come complete with 11/16" traditional 7° tie rod ends and jam nuts. Tubing will be tapped with right-hand & left-hand threads for adjustability.

Specify desired length in comments section of shopping cart. No returns/exchange on custom length links. Select your length based on the center-to-center of the tie rod ends, which will also be the eye-to-eye distance between the steering arms (the acutal tube will be 3-1/2" shorter than length selected). At selected length, the link will be adjustable from 1/2" shorter to 3/4" longer.

•Precut and tapped lengths of 7/8" O.D. tubing
•Available in these assembled lengths: 25.5", 28.5", 30", 32", 42.5", 44", 45", 46", 48", 52.5", and 54"
•Complete with 11/16" tie rod ends and jam nuts
•Adjustable from 1/2" shorter to 3/4" longer
•Available in plain steel
•All lengths measured eye-to-eye"

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I mean the bent tie rod assembly from the passenger side spindle to the pitman arm. Id like to use something original so i dont have to reinvent the wheel on the geometry.

Thanks Kevin

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Some additional suggestions. I would upgrade the steering to a later model year (37 or later) which will greatly improve the steering.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I have a 1939 steering box, i was going to use the shorter 35 pitman arm for a little quicker steering or i have the stock 39. But with the later spindle i just need to know what year drag lin to order. Can a flip a 35-40 and run it on the underside? Is a 35 pitman arm not the same taper on the tie rod end?

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I was thinking 34 for some reason, LOL. The 35 uses the tapered ends correct? I would cut an original or repo and weld in the section you need to get the correct length. Be sure it is welded by a certified welder!!

Another idea, not sure how much additional length you are needing, but a longer adjusting collar would increase the overall length.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

You cannot flip the '35-'40. Using the '41 as pictured below is probably going to work best.....it clears the bottom of the wishbone. ALL the tapered holes that we are discussing are tapered the same at 7 degrees. DD

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...8&d=1461772405

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I weld the tie rod end hole up and ream it from the other side.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

The shorter 35 Pittman arm will not give you quicker steering. It'll give you lighter slower steering. For quicker steering changing only the Pittman arm, you'd need a longer Pittman arm. This would also give you heavier steering.
Martin.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

In the pic above, it might have been easier to redrill the arm from below as suggested above. In my experience you can drill the taper from both sides without having to weld up first. Some steering arms were sold like this in the aftermarket. I have not seen a drag link like that before in the pic above.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Just reminded me Mart,
In the past I swapped a drag link end from over to under the steering arm, what I did was break apart an old steering joint (Rod end), ground some flats on the ball part for purchase, cut a couple of slots in the taper, and shaped the taper from the slots so it made a rudimentary reaming tool. And used this to cut the steering arm taper from the other direction. Wasn't the greatest tool in the box, but it's what I had. As you said, the taper only has to go half way through the arm to do the job.
Martin.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

The reamers are nice, but a bit on the expensive side if you don't use them much.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Find a shop that will ream the spindle from the bottom for the Ford tie rod end. I've user pitman arms that were done that way and never had a problem.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

BINGO!!!

Thanks Everybody!

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

One more quick question? I found the original post when I searched the part number? Should the taper be up or down on the pitman arm if I run the 41 drag link on my 39/40 box?

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

You've asked a really good question. And, I do NOT have the definitive answer for you about this little-understood and probably "one-year-only" 1941 Ford front axle parts B/S. I DO know first-hand that '41s had a few really oddball front axle-related parts, including a reversed (from '37-'40) taper in the drag link hole in spindle, the drag link itself (I actually believe there were two different '41 drag links), and the '41-only wishbone assembly which is about 4" longer (from axle to the ball) than a '37-'40. Below, I show four distinct pitman arms from left to right. The first is '35-36. The second is a 78A- which is a '37-'40. The third is a 21A- which is '42-'48, and the one on right is a 11A- which is '41, and also the service replacement for 78A- arms. As can be seen, the direction of taper varies between arms, although ANY arm will fit the splines on your steering box. Finding one with the correct taper direction should not be difficult. But, I think the black 78A- will suit your needs the best because of the bends in that arm. DD

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...9&d=1456416917

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Kevin-

This subject comes up frequently. I have gone though this several times with '35 and '36 steering and hydraulic conversions. A few years back I wrote an article that appeared in several Ford Regional newsletters about this problem. I understand it is available through Google or send me a PM and I will dig out a copy. The bottom line, this shouldn't be a "problem."

First, there are three basic steering arms that can be used with '37-'48 steering gears. Namely. 48-3590. 78A-3590 and 11A-3590. Due to the taper they can go on only one way. Use your original "48" arm. Due to the lower sitting of the '37-'48 steering gear in the '35-'36 chassis, the other two arms have configurations that will either hit your front wishbone or the engine oil pan. Second, the drag link you use is determined by the year of the right spindle. 'For '35-'48 spindles EXCEPT '41 you can use your present rod but you will have limited adjustment as a result of the gear placement. A '37 link 78-3283 is somewhat shorter (1.35") and gives you more adjustment. If you are using a '41 spindle you are stuck for a 11A-3283.

I presently have a '35 with a '41 spindle and have a '41 rod. No problems steering or in adjustment. My '36 uses an original tie rod with '37-'40 spindles. No problem. Frankly. I see no reason why anyone should get involved with reaming, welding, or drilling . You should be able to just assemble and be done.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Really GOOD write-up above, Tom. You obviously understand this oddball 1941 stuff. DD

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Sometimes you make due with what you got or take what you have and make it work depending on your tools and capabilities

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Thanks for help Tom,
This clears up most of my questions.
I'm in the garage, this is what I have. I have a 39 box with a 42-48 pitman arm.
I have 42-48 spindles. I just ordered a 41 drag link as I do not have one. This should mount correctly on top of my spindle and be the right length. Am I going to need an earlier 78- pitman arm to make this all jive as the 42-48 pitman arm takes the tie rid on the front side or does it matter??

Thanks Kevin

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Kevin-

I am not sure what you are trying to do with the '41 drag link. The only reason you would need a '41 drag link is if you are using a '41 spindle. All '35-'48 spindles require a bottom mounted tie rod ends (except the '41). Both the 11A and 78 arms are 1.25" longer than the 48. If you use an 11a or 78 you will find a hard turn to the right will cause the pitman arm to hit the left wishbone. A hard turn to the left and the drag link will hit the oil pan. Stay with the 48.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Sorry im not trying to be a pain, but youre saying run my stock 1935 (48-) pitman arm? The reason I bought a 1941 drag link is my square back spindle is drilled taper down like in this pic, is this not correct?

Thanks Kevin

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Kevin-

You have a '41 spindle NOT a '42-'48. Again, use a 48 pitman arm and a '41 drag link..

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I don't have a SQUARE-back spindle near-by to look at, but I thought that the drag link hole was tapered from the top also, as in this drawing. DD

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...n_1942to48.jpg

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Perfect I have a 21A pitman and a 41 drag link on the way. So I should be good to go! Thanks for the Tom DD and everyone else!

PS my spindle is Square, did someone trim the edges or are 41's square?

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

I found an old pic before it was all taken apart to restore the front end
Does this help?

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Kevin, didn't take the time to read this whole thread and not sure why Tom says you have '41 spindles, which are round. Those in your picture above are clearly '42-'48 square backs.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Randy-

To the best of my knowledge the only year Ford used a top fit drag link spindle was in '41 (11A-3105). I have never seen a round spindle only the square type but that doesn't mean a round type doesn't exist. It just means I have never seen one.

Enclosed is a picture of a '41 spindle on my '35. It is not the best picture but if you look closely you can see it is square with a top load drag link end.

As I understand it, Ford did not make the spindles. So, it could be "possible" that spindles were made by two different suppliers with different backing plate platforms. I doubt if Ford engineering would allow it but, it "could" be possible.

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Another picture:

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

OK, as I said, I read very little of the thread and was basing my comments about Kevin's spindle entirely on the picture he posted above, which if you look closely has the tie rod end coming up from the bottom the same as all other 1942-48 spindles.

I admit to not knowing a lot about the 1941 spindles, other than they're the "odd man of the bunch" and that they're not even all the same from one model to the next. This is the first I've ever heard of a "square back" 1941 though - perhaps a very late version? Are you sure your's are from 1941 and that they couldn't be 1942 or later with the tie rod arm ends re-tapered?

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

The arrow is pointing to the tie rod, the drag link is behind it and the ball is entering from above. All tie rods enter from below, regardless of year.*

*Edit: Post 34 that is.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

The square back spindles on my 42 pickup were tapered from the top, I've used square back spindles a time or two in the past, these were also tapered from the top. Talking about the drag link hole in the spindle.
I'd say that it ain't only 1941 that was tapered from the top, I believe the only round back spindles tapered from the top are 1941.
Just my observations an experience.
Martin.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Randy-

I bought them new ($5), from a local Ford dealer in 1960 when I was converting my '35 over to hydraulics. As I recall the part number was on the tags. They are definitely untouched '41s.

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Mart-

You are correct, all tie rods enter on the bottom. Only the '41 drag link is attached from the top. I think there has been a misused of terms. The drag link is the what the question is about not the tie rod.

Thanks

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Seems to me we're talking "apples and oranges" here. Are we referring to the tie rod or the drag link or what? If you re-read my previous post I stated "the tie rod end coming up from the bottom the same as all other 1942-48 spindles". I didn't even mention the drag link, but I could have also added that as far as they go all 1942-48 enter from the top. I stand by my statement that the one pictured above by Kevin is a 1942-48 as it meets all of these criteria.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Seems like this post series is getting more and more confused. Tie rods connect on the bottom. Whereas the '41 drag link (also possible some '42s) connect from the top and use a 11A-3306-B (bent design). The '42-'48 use 21A-3306 drag link (non bent). Evidently, 41's can have a round or square back. This should keep everybody happy! :)

Tom

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Well I see that you have edited you original post (#28) Tom, replacing the original "tie rod" with "drag link" and citing the reason as a spelling error. However your original post to which I was replying and where you were referring to tie rod ends is still highlighted in red were I quoted it and replied in post #30. I have often thought that the edit function is frequently abused and this is but one more example.

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Well, as you can see from my first post, I was confused from the beginning, and it hasn't gotten much better! (from my prospective of confusion). Now I'm headed out to the garage to look at some spindles!!!!

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

Kevin, and a few others here...........1941 Ford spindles are frikken' ROUND.......PERIOD! SOME 1941 spindles have the rear-most DRAG LINK hole tapered from the bottom just like '37-'40 ROUND-back spindles. SOME 1941 round-back spindles have the rear-most DRAG LINK hole tapered from the TOP. If you'll read one of my earlier posts in this thread, I noted that there were two DIFFERENT drag links that can be found on 1941 Fords. One mounts the taper from the TOP, and the second mounts the taper from the BOTTOM. Whether or not it was an "early/late" thing, I ain't got a clue!

As scooder noted above, SQUARE-back spindles were used only on 1942-'48 Fords. Tom.......I have no idea what you REMEMBER the Ford dealer telling you fifty-five years ago, but if he told you that SQUARE-back spindles were '41s, he was either full of it......or lied to ya. One more thing, Tom.....I can tell you that I personally own two of these "worthless", oddball '41 spindles with the taper from the top. They're worthless on '40 and earlier 'cuz you can't utilize the '40 drag link because it'll hit the wishbone. Anyway, these oddball '41s have the same 78A- number forged into them just like the other ROUND '37 thru '40 spindles. Obviously, they were merely finish-machined (tapered) in the opposite direction in that rear hole.

If ya'll will refer back to Kevin's first un-edited post, he very clearly stated that he had "juice brakes via 1946 spindles". In fact, this thread's title notes 1946 spindles. And Kevin's picture shows SQUARE-back spindles, which are 1942-1948 ONLY.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...1&d=1473379593

Re: 1935 with 1946 spindles which drag link?
 

That help! Thanks Coop.