|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
04-22-2015, 03:57 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 491
|
Adjustable Drag Link
I was taking apart a front end assembly today and came across an interesting drag link. It looked like one end was cut off and one of the ends from a tie rod was threaded on. This would make the drag link adjustable for length. I have not seen anything like this before or in the restoration books.
Ten or 15 years ago I purchased a couple of adjustable drag links that had a turnbuckle arrangement in the middle so you could adjust the length and center the steering wheel. I have not seen them in the catalogs recently. Has anyone else seen one of these drag links with one end that has a tie rod end threaded on? Thanks, Vic |
04-22-2015, 04:15 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Windy City
Posts: 2,919
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Seen? I've made a few like that.
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
04-22-2015, 04:27 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 2,939
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
A couple years ago an article about how to make one by Wiley Higgins (sp) was in the MAFCA newsletter
This is what I could find http://modelafordclub.co.nz/wp-conte...Box-Aug-11.pdf .. Last edited by Joop; 04-22-2015 at 04:42 PM. |
12-16-2016, 03:15 PM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Minn
Posts: 1,564
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
Here is a quote from the link: [I]Aligning the Model A Gemmer Steering Gear for Straight Ahead Driving by Wiley Higgins; Cumming, GA If your Model A is equipped with a Gemmer 2-tooth steering gear, the steering wheel should make a perfect “X” when you drive the Model A straight ahead. The spokes should not obstruct your view to the dash panel. The Gemmer steering gear has about three turns lock to lock. A correctly adjusted Gemmer 2-tooth steering gear will have the tightest adjustment at center. “Center” is indicated when the steering wheel keyway is exactly on the top, or about 1 ½ turns from left or right lock. You want to keep the wheel at the point of tightest adjustment. Changing the length of the drag link takes the wheel off center in relation to the steering gear. It should not be changed. When you align the toe-in the steering wheel should first be placed in the center position. Then any adjustments to the tie rod should be made on both ends equally. Then when you drive down the road in the test drive, if the steering wheel is no longer centered you have to readjust the tie rod, not the drag link. This will ensure the tightest steering. Changing the length of the drag link is not a good idea. |
|
12-16-2016, 06:38 PM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
|
|
04-22-2015, 06:31 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 491
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Thanks for the article. Vic |
04-22-2015, 07:49 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Enterprise, WV.
Posts: 460
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Will this work if using a shorten pitman arm?
|
04-22-2015, 10:20 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 491
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
TDO:
It definitely will. Vic |
04-23-2015, 11:25 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Florham Park, NJ
Posts: 396
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I made one for my car using a stock drag link, cut and threaded it (one end LH and the other RH) and used the sleeve from a GMC pickup. I threaded the LH end in the lathe before I cut it in half. I also have a shortened pitman arm.
__________________
1965 Lotus Elan S2 1930 Model A Sport Coupe |
04-23-2015, 12:43 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
When I was young I decided to try and cut some left hand threads. After about a day and half I finally figured it out. I was so frustrated I was even working between the wall and lathe and my grandfather would walk by and start laughing. I know, its actually easy once you figure it out. But, until then,,,,,,
I had kind of a similar experience learning to weld. I don't need no stinking helmet ! Ever have a doctor peel your eyes like an onion ? |
04-23-2015, 03:03 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Never did that but have you ever got a "sunburn" from wearing a white T-shirt while heli-arc welding?
Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 12-16-2016 at 01:30 PM. |
04-23-2015, 05:13 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
|
12-16-2016, 12:05 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
It's amazing just how quickly welding can burn you skin. One night I spent a couple hours building a towbar, and the next day my arms and neck were sunburned.
|
07-05-2018, 08:49 AM | #14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,011
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn! |
|
04-23-2015, 01:38 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1,439
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
They are not only adjustable for length but can be used for Right hand drive cars OR left hand drive - Do any of our usual suppliers still make them?
|
04-23-2015, 03:29 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: San Diego,Ca
Posts: 1,377
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
John, --- the last supplier here that had them was Sacramento Vintage Ford, they have now discontinued them, they sold for $160 --- I made mine using a used draglink, and this coupler, if you want it I have a spare I could bring home in Sept, probably cost a few pints --- LOL.
Regards Brian.
__________________
Nothing can be made foolproof, ---- fools are ingenious bastards. Last edited by Brian T; 04-23-2015 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Added text |
04-23-2015, 03:32 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 422
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
|
04-23-2015, 04:24 PM | #18 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Redding Cal
Posts: 1,388
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
__________________
Blackwall Panthers Nor Cal chapter |
|
07-05-2018, 01:43 AM | #19 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Olympia , wa
Posts: 5
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Is this adjustable drag link still available? My email is [email protected]
__________________
Don't let the car fool you my treasure is in Heaven |
11-24-2020, 10:21 AM | #20 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Bay Shore, New York
Posts: 2
|
Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
|
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|