Drag link/tie rod advice/help

[pgilbeau]

Trying to get back on the road for the summer and having an issue since changing my steering box from the old F100 inside the frame to a 4x4x2 outside the frame. The issue is I need a new drag link because the new box is outside the frame and the old drag link is now too short. The problem is compounded by the fact that my current steering is set up with heim joints, both the drag link and tie rod are attached at the knuckle. I can't go back to a stock set up unless I change out the knuckles because they are drilled out for bolts. I have 76 and 77 F150 knuckles with disks that I could run but it seems like a PITA to switch since the knuckles currently on it are 6 bolt with GM brakes and what I have are 5 bolt Ford brakes. I think my options are to switch the knuckles and brakes and go back to a stock set up with normal tie rod ends or find someone/somewhere that can at least fabricate a drag link. Looking for advice on other options or at least somewhere that can weld things up. Was thinking about just picking up a kit like this:

http://www.wfoconcepts.com/pr/Tierod-an ... oints/4467

[phyler]

Would Ruff Stuff have the ends you need to make a new drag link? The ends plus 4' of tube would be all you need. Measure and worst case you could take everything to a metal shop to have them cut it and weld it. I paid $40 to have mine done that way.

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[pgilbeau]

[quote="phyler"]Would Ruff Stuff have the ends you need to make a new drag link? The ends plus 4' of tube would be all you need. Measure and worst case you could take everything to a metal shop to have them cut it and weld it. I paid $40 to have mine done that way.

I plan to pull the drag link and see if I can find some matching ends and a shop to do the work here in Colorado Springs.

[Gunnibronco]

I think you are on the right path.

IF you want to switch to traditional tie rod ends, Ruffstuff & others sell tapered sleeves that might adapt the drilled hole to a tie rod. The question would be what size hole was drilled into the knuckle and what size the adapters come in.

[pgilbeau]

Ended up just getting it cut and sleeved to save money since I am planning an axle swap in the near future. Hopefully it works out, seems like the PO used some oddball heims which caused a bit of a problem with finding a replacement for one that was seized.