New tie rod and drag link build

[qmdv]

I have been driving my 32 roadster a bit now that I finally got my floor boards done. This is a highboy with F1 steering. The tie rod is a shortened 1946 and am not sure where the drag link came from. I would hate to think of one of them breaking as they are ancient.

What size tubing should I buy. Is mild steel ok or should I go for chrome molly? I have the correct taps for the tie rod ends.

[Krylon32]

I use 7/8th DOM with a 156 wall for tie rods and drag links.

[V8COOPMAN]

In the past, I've used 4130 with a 0.188" wall to do tie rods and drag links. I BELIEVE that Speedway Motors offers pre-cut or "made-up" tie rods? Just try to refrain from using materials (and procedures) like below! DD

[RalphM]

I have an F100 box, which is similar. What I did was buy an early drag link(new) then shorten it to the proper length and rethread one end. I chose to cut down the right hand thread end as the die is easier to get.
I do not remember the part number, but they are readily available.

[RalphM]

This is a better picture.

[qmdv]

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So use 7/8 OD with .188 wall. Drill the ends to 5/8 id then tap. Grind a slot with die grinder for clamps. Or would you go with lock nuts?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by qmdv

So use 7/8 OD with .188 wall. Drill the ends to 5/8 id then tap. Grind a slot with die grinder for clamps. Or would you go with lock nuts?

I'd bet that that 0.188" would be kind of hard to squeeze with a clamp....COULD be wrong, though. I'd feel good with a jamb nut snugged pretty firmly against the end of the tube. DD

[Mart]

It won't have .188 once drilled and tapped.

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by Mart

It won't have .188 once drilled and tapped.

As I recall it will be drilled to 5/8 inch . That gives .125 wall. That is what stock is

[Mart]

In theory the tapping drill should be a bit bigger than 5/8 but for all practical purposes the 5/8 will probably do as it will probably cut a bit oversize.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Mart

In theory the tapping drill should be a bit bigger than 5/8 but for all practical purposes the 5/8 will probably do as it will probably cut a bit oversize.

Actually, the tap drill for 5/8-18 thread would be a 37/64", or 0.5781" which is of course a bit SMALLER than 5/8". But I know that YOU knew that. DD

[Randy in ca]

Actually the thread size needed is 11/16" -18

[TJ]

11/16"-18 is correct and you will need a right hand and left hand tap for the tie rod.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by RalphM

This is a better picture.

Ralph, I lightened it up a bit. Speedway sells tie-rods to any length and fairly good prices.

5/8 is the drill size for 11/16-18 tap size.