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04-22-2015, 03:57 PM | #1 |
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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 |
04-22-2015, 04:15 PM | #2 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Seen? I've made a few like that.
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04-22-2015, 04:27 PM | #3 |
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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. |
04-22-2015, 06:31 PM | #4 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Joop:
Thanks for the article. Vic |
04-22-2015, 07:49 PM | #5 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Will this work if using a shorten pitman arm?
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04-22-2015, 10:20 PM | #6 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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It definitely will. Vic |
04-23-2015, 11:25 AM | #7 |
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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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04-23-2015, 12:43 PM | #8 |
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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 ? |
04-23-2015, 01:38 PM | #9 |
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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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04-23-2015, 03:03 PM | #10 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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. |
04-23-2015, 03:29 PM | #11 |
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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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Nothing can be made foolproof, ---- fools are ingenious bastards. Last edited by Brian T; 04-23-2015 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Added text |
04-23-2015, 03:32 PM | #12 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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04-23-2015, 04:24 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
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04-23-2015, 04:59 PM | #14 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Joop,
Thanks for the link to the drag link article.
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04-23-2015, 05:13 PM | #15 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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12-16-2016, 09:35 AM | #16 |
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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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12-16-2016, 12:05 PM | #17 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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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12-16-2016, 01:32 PM | #18 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I remember seeing a couple of adjustable drag links in the Swap Meet section.
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12-16-2016, 01:59 PM | #19 |
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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 |
12-16-2016, 02:19 PM | #20 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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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12-16-2016, 03:15 PM | #21 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
Here is a quote from the link: [I]Aligning the Model A Gemmer Steering Gear for Straight Ahead Driving by Wiley Higgins; Cumming, GA If your Model A is equipped with a Gemmer 2-tooth steering gear, the steering wheel should make a perfect “X” when you drive the Model A straight ahead. The spokes should not obstruct your view to the dash panel. The Gemmer steering gear has about three turns lock to lock. A correctly adjusted Gemmer 2-tooth steering gear will have the tightest adjustment at center. “Center” is indicated when the steering wheel keyway is exactly on the top, or about 1 ½ turns from left or right lock. You want to keep the wheel at the point of tightest adjustment. Changing the length of the drag link takes the wheel off center in relation to the steering gear. It should not be changed. When you align the toe-in the steering wheel should first be placed in the center position. Then any adjustments to the tie rod should be made on both ends equally. Then when you drive down the road in the test drive, if the steering wheel is no longer centered you have to readjust the tie rod, not the drag link. This will ensure the tightest steering. Changing the length of the drag link is not a good idea. |
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12-16-2016, 06:38 PM | #22 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
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12-16-2016, 06:54 PM | #23 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
adjust one end of the tie rod but not the other would do it, keep wheel centered then adjust either side till toe is correct and it goes straight.
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12-16-2016, 07:24 PM | #24 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Sorry, but the solid drag link would keep the relationship of the steering wheel and the left spindle the same no matter what you do to the tie rod. In what you suggest all you did was move the tie rod. The tie rod adjusts the relationship of one wheel to the other, not the relationship of the wheels to the steering wheel.
Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 12-16-2016 at 07:29 PM. |
12-16-2016, 07:45 PM | #25 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
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12-16-2016, 09:26 PM | #26 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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12-17-2016, 10:59 AM | #27 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I agree with Y-Blockhead and Brian T. The reason this adjustment is needed is that the steering arm on the left front wheel has been bent somewhat. That will also affect toe out on turns as well. There doesn't seem to be any way to measure this without a spec. measurement of "ball to backing plate" distance. If the drag link end is threaded on one end only, the adjustment would only be in increments of a single thread count (single revolution). An adjustment for sure, but often you'll be caught in the position of needing a 1/2 turn. Quite a number of other factors can also cause the offset in the sweet spot of the sector and worm. A truely adjustable drag link would be a good thing but having the ability know if the steering arm is spot on would also help avoid issues. Also, I believe that the steering arm had a design change ie. early and late - another issue if it was to correct a toe out on turns issue.
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12-17-2016, 11:32 AM | #28 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
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12-17-2016, 01:20 PM | #29 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
I prefer the using a drag link with a adjuster sleeve over using tie rod ends as there can be a clearance problem with the axle, due to the clamp bolt.
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12-17-2016, 01:41 PM | #30 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
And for those down under the NEW short Right Hand Drive pitman arm is now available from [email protected] , Plus its summertime so they are hot ,
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12-17-2016, 01:44 PM | #31 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
Yup, just take an original tie rod from the 'stuff' pile, clean it up ...inexpensive Here's where the expense comes in (forgetting your time used to make). Went to a machine shop tool supplier and paid $35. for quality left hand threader. Finished product works very nicely ! You can even loan the LH tool to others to make their own. Cheap enough for one adjustable rod, but when will the LH tool ever be used again...ebay ! |
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12-17-2016, 01:50 PM | #32 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
The left steering arm I removed from my truck was bent a little over 1 inch from the back plate causing toe-in wear on the right front tire, the right side was about 1/4 inch, I suspect someone maybe using it the same way.
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12-17-2016, 06:05 PM | #33 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I used a tie rod that got bent in the middle. Cut it too length and reused the reversed thread side and used a regular die on the other. Cheap to do and was able to repurpose an otherwise bad part.
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12-19-2016, 02:41 PM | #34 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Aren't tie rods hollow? Shouldn't the drag link be solid?
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12-19-2016, 08:15 PM | #35 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
oh well brainfart it was...
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12-19-2016, 10:46 PM | #36 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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Me too. I was thinking of the more modern setup instead of the Model A. I'm now lost in the woods that I slinked back into..... |
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12-20-2016, 11:25 AM | #37 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
As far as knowing if the steering arm is bent, I think the best thing one can do is to try to have the ball to backing plate space, left and right equal. I tried 3 and got the best match, the others were all over the map. At that point, you are ready to find whether or not you need to buy or build a drag link.
Cooter, excellent point. I haven't cut either apart but I think that the tie rod is hollow with plugged ends to hold up under the clamping force at the socket ends. Those of you who have first hand knowledge, please chime in. This would be a safety issue. Let us resolve it here now for everyone's benefit. Last edited by 100IH; 12-20-2016 at 11:34 AM. |
12-20-2016, 11:47 AM | #38 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
My original tie rods are plugged hollow rods, and my drag links are solid.
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12-20-2016, 03:01 PM | #39 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I started this thread a long time ago. If I was going to make 2 more adjustable drag links, what is the drag link diameter and thread size? I would be using one of the tie rod ends on the drag link- with the normal hand thread to make it easier to find a die for the cut off part of the drag link. It might be easier to just buy one or two.
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12-20-2016, 04:50 PM | #40 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
The 2 adjustable drag link diameters I have are, 9/16x18tpi and 5/8x18tpi, you will need a drag link of 11/16 diameter (if there is one ) to use a tie rod end, you will need a left and right to be able to adjust full lock and align the steering wheel, if you go with the drag links use the 5/8 diameter, you will only need the 1 pair of dyes.
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12-21-2016, 06:26 AM | #41 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I pm'd machine girl about her cnc machined set-up but have not heard anything guess she is not doing them now.
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10-16-2017, 09:10 PM | #42 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
This thread describes 2 designs for an adjustable drag link
(a) 18" tie rod stock (solid 11/16") with 2 tie rod ends (b) Original drag link cut in half with 5/8" threaded adjusting sleeve in the middle. With design (a) the springs on both ends are inboard of the balls. When the drag link is pushed forward by the pitman arm, the pressure between the balls is spring against spring. When the drag link is pulled back, the pressure is solid end cup against solid end cup. Design (b) maintains Fords original where there is aways one spring inboard and one spring outboard no matter if the drag link is pushed forward or pulled back by the pitman arm. With a spare drag link or a couple of tie rod ends, the time and cost for making either is about the same and pretty small. Any thoughts on (a) vs. (b) ? |
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10-16-2017, 10:09 PM | #43 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
If you have the two tooth steering box this will move the sector off center while driving straight ahead. You will now have play in the steering wheel.
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10-16-2017, 10:55 PM | #44 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
[QUOTE=daren007;1540366]If you have the two tooth steering box this will move the sector off center while driving straight ahead. You will now have play in the steering
Actually, an adjustable drag link is used to remove the play. Assuming the box is set up and adjusted correctly (no slop/no bind at dead center), a slight difference in the radius of a shortened pitman may result in the wheels not pointing straight ahead when the sector is centered on the worm. Adjusting the length of the drag link (it doesn't take much) will get the wheels lined up with the box and give you equal steering wheel left/right turns stop to stop. |
10-18-2017, 07:29 PM | #45 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
I stand corrected.
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07-05-2018, 01:43 AM | #46 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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07-05-2018, 08:49 AM | #47 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
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11-24-2020, 10:21 AM | #48 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
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11-24-2020, 12:11 PM | #49 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Machine Girl has not advertised in ~7 years. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135427
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11-24-2020, 12:38 PM | #50 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Somewhere it was posted that the tie rod ends version can interfere with the steering arms, etc. Cutting and threading with rt. and left hand dies a used drag link and adding the center clamp may be better. The shortened pitman arm will not allow the steering gear and steering wheel to be at the center point for removing freeplay with wheels straight ahead as posted by others.
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11-25-2020, 03:49 PM | #51 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
I have one of his adjustable drag links, just waiting to install it when I get a round tuit.
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01-05-2021, 07:14 AM | #52 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
OK, since I couldn't find an adjustable drag link to buy I measured my drag link at .629". So I ordered a 5/8"-18 left hand die nut (already had a right hand die). and a 5/8" adjusting sleeve. Was thinking about cutting out 1" or 1 1/2" and threading both ends. Anyone done this? Is this about right?
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01-05-2021, 08:38 AM | #53 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
Sleeve is a MOOG #ES2032S Last edited by dmaxweb; 01-05-2021 at 08:57 AM. |
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01-05-2021, 08:45 AM | #54 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Delete duplicate post
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01-05-2021, 08:57 AM | #55 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Here's one I machined for a 49 F8 truck left & right threads all done on my
WWII South Bend lathe .. |
01-05-2021, 09:28 AM | #56 |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Thanks guys!
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01-05-2021, 12:35 PM | #57 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
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01-05-2021, 02:49 PM | #58 | |
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Re: Adjustable Drag Link
Quote:
I bought one off Machine Girl a few years ago when I was unable to get full lock on both sides after fitting a shortened pitman arm. It worked a treat and was an excellent product. |
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