Drag link ??? Help

[athawk11]

Forgot your question...I think both cup sizes are the same. �The differences are regarding the thickness of the caps so that you can adjust properly to have the cotter pins line up as they wear. �Adjust pretty snug and then back off only about a 1/4 turn.

Thanks Tom.

Larry,

Sounds like Tom's kit included the two different sizes.

I get my stuff from Walcks on Monday. �I'll let you know what they send.

Tim

[athawk11]

Rocketeer had some interest in the contents of a Drag Link repair kit. �This is what is included when ordering from Walcks.



There are not two sizes of end caps in this kit.

Also, I believe I know how the parts are assembled, but the drawing of the Willys parts manual 'drag link' �(above post) does not show 3 of the concave ball seats that are on the left in my photo. �It only pictures 2.

Tim

[Carls_jeep]

Are all three the same thickness?

[rocketeer]

Flip over the two end plugs and see if one is concave.

Larry

[athawk11]

One of the end caps is concave.  The other is flat faced.    All three ball seats are the same size and thickness.  After taking my link apart, the old set has the exact same combination of parts as the new set.  The springs in the new set are taller.  Old springs  possibly sprung?  Perhaps that's why my drag link was sloppy.

One note:  The new caps will not thread fully into the drag link ends.  They thread in until there is about 1/8" of cap hanging out the end. (No other parts installed to stop the full insertion)  The best I can tell is the new caps aren't machined very clean.  My old caps are the same size as the new set (height wise), and thread easily all the way in and well past the edge of the link.

Tim  

[rocketeer]

If the new caps don't thread all the way in I'd use the old caps, providing the concave one isn't worn too much.

Larry

[macrisel]

I agree with Larry, use the old caps if you have to.  The rebuild kit I received from Walck's had the same issue, but I was able to clean up the threads and use the new caps.  Make sure the caps go into the drag link and make a snug fit.  Prior to installing the rebuild kit in the drag link and a new bushing in the front arm, my steering wheel would turn almost a 1/4 turn both ways before the front wheels would move.  After the rebuild, the little Jeep is ready for a slalom course!  

Then again, maybe not...........but the steering is nice and tight!  

[athawk11]

I was thinking the same thing, Larry.  My old concave end cap looks pretty good.  I may try to clean up the new cap as Mac had to do.

I may also throw Walcks a line.  That's a good operation.  I bet they would want to know that the drag link kits aren't quite right.

Mac,  I have the new sector shaft sleeves being machined.  I will be able to rebuild the steering box tonight.  My bell crank doesn't have any up and down movement, so just a clean up of the steering box and drag link for me.  Hopefully the Datona 500 is in my little Jeeps' future.

I wonder if I'm going to have to re-adjust my toe in once I'm all back together?

Tim

[rocketeer]

I wonder if I'm going to have to re-adjust my toe in once I'm all back together?

Tim

I don't think you'll have to if you haven't had the tierods disassembled but it's worth checking.

Larry

[athawk11]

Thanks Larry.

By the way, I really enjoyed your web page.

Tim

[rocketeer]

Thank you. It's been a long time since I updated it. I have to decide if I want to go through all that or just retire it. �:-/

Larry

[macrisel]

Retire!?!?!?    There is too much good information to retire it!  Besides, it is a great story!

Do the world a favor and keep it going!

[Shalka04]

Rocketeer had some interest in the contents of a Drag Link repair kit. �This is what is included when ordering from Walcks.



There are not two sizes of end caps in this kit.

Also, I believe I know how the parts are assembled, but the drawing of the Willys parts manual 'drag link' �(above post) does not show 3 of the concave ball seats that are on the left in my photo. �It only pictures 2.

Tim

Hey Tim,
Did you ever figure out what the deal is with the 3rd concave ball seat?  I just opened up my shipment from Walck's and it looks just like your picture.

Regards,
-John

[athawk11]

John,

Proper function of the drag link will require all three ball seats.  From what I have read, the photos is the parts manual are sometimes missing key information.

As Tom mentions in this post, when you dis-assemble your old link, pay close attention to the order.  The parts are not the same on both sides.

Best of luck,

Tim

[JonC]

This is my first attempt in posting about my 1949 CJ3A.  I have bought a steering connecting rod kit from KaiserWillys.  When I disassembled my jeep I found that the previous owner had put spacers and washers to make it work and now I have no idea how the original parts should be.  Looking at the service manual I am confused by the picture and the instructions.  I have scrolled through many of the posts and am still not clear.  Can anyone help me? Jon