Drag Link Rebuild

scrum · Post by **scrum** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 11:00 am

I am in the process of taking the steering apart and we removed the drag link to rebuild, also using a rebuilt Ross box/pitman arm from AJP. The draglink has od paint on it and then red paint around the grease fitting. Anything to this before I clean it up and repaint?
Thanks,
Steve

Photo in my photo album #18 (I have not been able to put pictures with my posts any trick to this?)

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 2:36 pm

Posting photos is reasonably easy if you follow the tutorials I sent you the links for when I opened your album.

Here's the rules:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... opic&t=498

Here's the tutorial for loading your album:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

Here's the tutorial for posting your photos:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... pic&t=8670

A word of caution on the drag link. It has a slight difference in the shape at each end. There is a front end and a rear end. Also the springs and washers/bushings are stacked differently depending on weather they go in the front end or the rear end.

The Army usually painted red around all lubrication points. Helped the mechanics get her greased faster and avoid missing a fitting.

There are over 200 technical photos in my album (2nd album) so be sure to review the sub-albums that apply to your questions before posting here. It will save you a lot of time.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

scrum · Post by **scrum** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 3:38 pm

Thanks Wes, I am also going to assume the easiest way to reassemble is to install the steering box/pitman arm first then attach the drag link and lastly attach the drag link to the bell crank.
Steve

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:42 pm

Actually if you review the service manual, both the steering gear box and the pitman arm are installed as an assembly if you have match marks between the shaft and arm. If not you may have to install only the steering box first then align the front wheels (ACCURATELY) then install the front end of the drag link to the bellcranks then adjust pitman arm location on splines to match rear end of the drag link.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:03 pm

But yeah, Steve, it's a little snug in there trying to flange up
the Pittman arm end. Finish off up front if you can.

If you don't have a good tool for the ends I used a BA washer
that would fit into the crosses. Easy to turn with a small
Crescent wrench.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 11:20 pm

Why not just buy the correct tool. They are even called Drag Link Sockets. They run $10 to $15 new and a buck or two used.

https://weldwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/einst ... :577=5446A

scrum · Post by **scrum** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 2:54 pm

Thanks for the help and the tool recommendation. We took out the ross steering box with the pitman arm on. I had hoped to reinstall the same way. We had to remove the seat and gas tank to get the steering column out. I had hoped to start putting everything back together this weekend.... but mother nature dumped 2 feet of snow on us. The jeep always takes a back seat to the rest of life. Oh well.
Steve

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Jan 25, 2016 5:33 pm

As Forest Gump once said,"..it happens."