Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-22-2015, 03:57 PM   #1
Vic in E-TN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 491
Question 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
Vic in E-TN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2015, 04:15 PM   #2
MikeK
Senior Member
 
MikeK's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Windy City
Posts: 2,919
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Seen? I've made a few like that.
MikeK is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 04-22-2015, 04:27 PM   #3
Joop
Senior Member
 
Joop's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 2,939
Default 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.
Joop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2016, 03:15 PM   #4
Cool Hand Lurker
Senior Member
 
Cool Hand Lurker's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Minn
Posts: 1,564
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joop View Post
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

..
I think this article is a bit misleading. Changing the length of the drag link is not the best way to set up the steering /alignment.

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.
Cool Hand Lurker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2016, 06:38 PM   #5
Y-Blockhead
Senior Member
 
Y-Blockhead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker View Post
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.
Am I missing something? How do you change the position of the steering wheel in relation to the wheels by adjusting the tie rod? The position of the left front wheel is still dictated by the solid drag link. The only way (that I see) to change it is with an adjustable drag link.
Y-Blockhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2015, 06:31 PM   #6
Vic in E-TN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 491
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Joop:
Thanks for the article.

Vic
Vic in E-TN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2015, 07:49 PM   #7
TDO
Senior Member
 
TDO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Enterprise, WV.
Posts: 460
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Will this work if using a shorten pitman arm?
TDO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2015, 10:20 PM   #8
Vic in E-TN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 491
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

TDO:
It definitely will.
Vic
Vic in E-TN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 11:25 AM   #9
bettlesr
Senior Member
 
bettlesr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Florham Park, NJ
Posts: 396
Default 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
bettlesr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 12:43 PM   #10
Patrick L.
Senior Member
 
Patrick L.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
Default 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 ?
Patrick L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 03:03 PM   #11
Y-Blockhead
Senior Member
 
Y-Blockhead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,817
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
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 ?
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.
Y-Blockhead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 05:13 PM   #12
Patrick L.
Senior Member
 
Patrick L.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
Never did that but have you ever got a "sunburn" from wearing a white T-shirt while heli-arc welding?

I production welded my way thru college. Got many a sunburn. Plus whenever it rained the shop flooded, your hair would stand right up straight.
Patrick L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2016, 12:05 PM   #13
Tom Wesenberg
Senior Member
 
Tom Wesenberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
I production welded my way thru college. Got many a sunburn. Plus whenever it rained the shop flooded, your hair would stand right up straight.
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.
Tom Wesenberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2018, 08:49 AM   #14
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,011
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
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 ?
Learn by the mistakes of others, you'll never live long enough to make them all yourself. Anonymous
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!.
Got my education out behind the barn!
katy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 01:38 PM   #15
johnbuckley
Senior Member
 
johnbuckley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1,439
Default 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?
johnbuckley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 03:29 PM   #16
Brian T
Senior Member
 
Brian T's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: San Diego,Ca
Posts: 1,377
Default 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.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DRAGLINK.JPG (135.1 KB, 377 views)
__________________
Nothing can be made foolproof, ---- fools are ingenious bastards.

Last edited by Brian T; 04-23-2015 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Added text
Brian T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 03:32 PM   #17
machine girl
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 422
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

drag link 001.JPG all new cnc machined $140.00 + shipping. inc guts.

drag link 002.JPG
machine girl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2015, 04:24 PM   #18
Tiny
Senior Member
 
Tiny's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Redding Cal
Posts: 1,388
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by machine girl View Post
Attachment 221698 all new cnc machined $140.00 + shipping. inc guts.

Attachment 221699
But does it come with the turtle sandbox?
__________________
Blackwall Panthers
Nor Cal chapter
Tiny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2018, 01:43 AM   #19
Tom Davis
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Olympia , wa
Posts: 5
Default 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
Tom Davis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2020, 10:21 AM   #20
31coupedx
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Bay Shore, New York
Posts: 2
Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Quote:
Originally Posted by machine girl View Post
Attachment 221698 all new cnc machined $140.00 + shipping. inc guts.

Attachment 221699
Is this still available?
31coupedx is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:49 PM.