Drag link question

Investig8 · Post by **Investig8** » Wed Nov 30, 2022 9:41 pm

Hello all,
At the risk of showing my ignorance, I am continuing work on the steering for my M-38 and after installing the drag link with a new kit in it, I realize I had marked it when I took it off some time ago and I realized after it was installed, that it is opposite the way it came off... question is, does it matter? I can find nothing that indicates it does, but wanted to check with the authority on the matter...
Thanks,
Dennis

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Wed Nov 30, 2022 9:58 pm

Hi Dennis,
Yes, it matters.

See paragraph 237.d (Installation) on page 273 and Figure 111 on page 274 of the January 1956 edition of TM9-8012.

The Army manuals are free in the downloads section.

Also note that the relative positions for assembly of the spring, seat, and spacer plug is different for each end.
Paragraph O-7 on page 217 of the Willys Jeep Universal Service Manual describes it pretty well.

In other words, it's not only possible to install the drag link backwards, it's also possible to install the internal pieces in each end backwards.

Good luck!

Investig8 · Post by **Investig8** » Thu Dec 01, 2022 8:23 am

Thanks Ron for the assistance... It is always great to be able to access this type of information for those of us who are new to the military jeep world... and now I'll fix what I messed up!

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:07 pm

I thought the Willys Jeep Universal Service Manual was available here in the Downloads Section but couldn't find it.
Maybe I missed it.

So if it helps, here's a link to download a copy.
It's a large file, but worth it.

http://48cj2a.com/images/manuals/Univer ... hicles.pdf

Good luck!

Investig8 · Post by **Investig8** » Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:00 pm

Thanks for the assist Ron, I do have a TM9-8012 and after your reference, I guess I had just overlooked that. It will certainly make sure I do it right!
LOL! Thanks again