Drag Link Rebuild?

[Stretch Cab]

What do I do with the end of the drag link that has the tie rod type end seemingly permanently attached? Can that end be rebuilt? I do not see any rebuild kits for doing the rebuild but I do see the option for buying a new one for over one hundred dollars. The one I have is from a low mile car but it is still 83 years old.

[mfagan]

There is a kit with a new spring and cup . I have one I never used.

[V8COOPMAN]

Is it like the TOP one in the picture? If so, I've never seen them being rebuilt. Just gotta step-up and pull your wallet out. DD

[Kube]

Coopman is correct. The service parts had two replaceable ends. Factory installed had but one. If authenticity doesn't matter to you, obtain a service part.


Just because it's 83 years old, doesn't mean necessarily that it's worn out.

[Stretch Cab]

Yes it is the top one or in my case the original one. Guess going to have to spend a little cash!

[DavidG]

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Mike,


With respect, the '35 version had no replaceable ends.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Mike,


With respect, the '35 version had no replaceable ends.

So it was a fixed length?

[v8fordman]

David is correct and they are extremely rare.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Mike,


With respect, the '35 version had no replaceable ends.

Sure enough, there it is....a '35 with NO replaceable ends. Man, that DavidG knows some stuff, huh?


Thanks JM35! DD

[DavidG]

Just in case someone out there has an extra, NOS or good used, I am in dire need of one.
Thanks!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Mike,


With respect, the '35 version had no replaceable ends.

I didn't know what year he was working on. The simple math leaned towards '36. Still, I didn't know '35 had zero replaceable ends.
I am trying to understand how well (or not) that worked.

Thanks for your patience with me Master. I still have much to learn from you
Sincerely Dave - thanks. You amaze me.

[DavidG]

Don Rogers deserves the credit for that piece of wisdom and for many, many others.


One of the '35 Service Bulletins is devoted to the work-around that non-adjustable drag link. It involves a number of special fixtures and tools to bend the spindle arm to effectively shorten or length the drag link.

Overall, not exactly the brightest of ideas. But, Ford was not alone in this particular boat as I once bought a NOS non-adjustable drag link at Hershey and was happy as a clam. As V8fordman points out, they are extremely rare. Once I got back home, to my chagrin it wasn't for a '35 Ford as it was too short. I have no idea which brand X it is for, but it isn't a Ford part. Hence, I am still looking.

[JSeery]

This is very interesting, thanks David.

[v8fordman]

Those side grease fitting tie rod ends (pictured) that are adjustable come in second place in terms of being rare...right behind the none adjustable tie rod. By the way, if someone finds one of the none adjustable ones for David, find another one for my '35 woodie.

[DavidG]

Yes, the tie rod ends with side grease fittings have become scarce, which is a bit strange given that the ones with bottom fittings were only introduced in the '37 model year as a running change.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Yes, the tie rod ends with side grease fittings have become scarce, which is a bit strange given that the ones with bottom fittings were only introduced in the '37 model year as a running change.

Good morning Dave,
I have found the correct tie rods for my beloved '39 - '40 Fords are also quite elusive. I can't imagine how scarce a proper '35 rod must be!
Of all the '39 - '40's I've judged through the years, very few have had the correct rod on them.
Mine always do Nope, no OCD going on here ...

[J Franklin]

Just curious, If that part was manufactured, can it not be rebuilt?

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Just curious, If that part was manufactured, can it not be rebuilt?

About equivalent to building from scratch. It looks like a forged part and then the ends look to be forge somehow around the ball. Don't think you could open it up to get the ball out without destroying it (the cover).

[v8fordman]

I have rebuilt the side grease ones before using parts from a later tie rod end. The trick is getting the stamped steel cover off without destroying it and then getting it back on. You have to make sure the spring height is the same also. Originally, the cover was rolled closed using some process. Obviously, destroying the new one doesn't matter. It has a grease fitting in the end where the parts come out.

[35fordtn]

As V8fordman mentioned, they CAN be rebuilt, but the 35 36 version with the side fittings and the later.. The issue is the time and effort involved.. I almost always ruined the stamped round end plate upon removal. Then peening a new one on with the proper look and ensuring it is sealed where grease wont leak out is a whole task within itself.. I've only rebuilt two and determined never ever again.

My better option for a 1935, was to build one from scratch, and even that is a all day affair..