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Old 04-22-2015, 03:57 PM   #1
Vic in E-TN
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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
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Old 04-22-2015, 04:15 PM   #2
MikeK
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Seen? I've made a few like that.
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Old 04-22-2015, 04:27 PM   #3
Joop
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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.
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Old 04-22-2015, 06:31 PM   #4
Vic in E-TN
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Joop:
Thanks for the article.

Vic
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Old 04-22-2015, 07:49 PM   #5
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Will this work if using a shorten pitman arm?
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Old 04-22-2015, 10:20 PM   #6
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TDO:
It definitely will.
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Old 04-23-2015, 11:25 AM   #7
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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.
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Old 04-23-2015, 12:43 PM   #8
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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 ?
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Old 04-23-2015, 01:38 PM   #9
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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?
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Old 04-23-2015, 03:03 PM   #10
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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.
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Old 04-23-2015, 03:29 PM   #11
Brian T
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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.
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Old 04-23-2015, 03:32 PM   #12
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

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

drag link 002.JPG
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Old 04-23-2015, 04:24 PM   #13
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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?
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Old 04-23-2015, 04:59 PM   #14
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

Joop,
Thanks for the link to the drag link article.
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Old 04-23-2015, 05:13 PM   #15
Patrick L.
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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.
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Old 12-16-2016, 09:35 AM   #16
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

An outfit called Auto Care and Restoration in Redding California used to sell one for $48 exchange about 20 years ago.
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Old 12-16-2016, 12:05 PM   #17
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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.
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Old 12-16-2016, 01:32 PM   #18
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

I remember seeing a couple of adjustable drag links in the Swap Meet section.
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Old 12-16-2016, 01:59 PM   #19
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

See "Machine Girls" entry number 12
I bought one of these when the shortened pitman arm resulted in full lock one way and not the other.
Being able to adjust the length of the drag link solved the problem.
It's a quality product
Keith
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Old 12-16-2016, 02:19 PM   #20
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Default Re: Adjustable Drag Link

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Originally Posted by wensum View Post
See "Machine Girls" entry number 12
I bought one of these when the shortened pitman arm resulted in full lock one way and not the other.
Being able to adjust the length of the drag link solved the problem.
It's a quality product
Keith
I have one of these from the same supplier. I will be putting it on with the short pittman arm whenever I get my truck out of jail [ie: off site storage while my garage is otherwise occupied]
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