Drag Links

My question of the day is do drag links wear out? How do you know when it needs to be replaced? I was going to use a rebuild kit on mine but want to make sure it is worthy. Thanks!

 

Any thoughts?

 

I have opinions and comments on this drag link topic. The reason is that a few weeks back I purchased a rebuild kit: the cups (ball seats), springs and end caps. There were Omix-ada, and made in India. Before my drag link re-build project eneded, I became furious at spending so much time under my '66 CJ5 trying to screw in the ball seats (around the pitman arm and bellcrank balls; according to FSM proper order of parts), fighting those tight little springs, etc. -- and then finally realizing that the springs are too long (by only 1/4 to 1/2 incch; didn't measure) and the ball seats were too thick.... and that I could have fought the drag link parts forever and would never have gotten the drag link to how it should be.

To resolve this problem, I resurrected my old (probably from the 1970s parts; I save everthing); cleaned them, greased every place and part needing ample grease, and fit all parts together...... and the drag link is now fine. Of the new parts, I used only the cotter pins. Also, I observed that my old-stock ball seats didn't show any wear, and the springs were fine. I didn't really need a new kit of parts, but I do show some wear on my pitman arm ball (to be addressed during another maintenance time)

So, the morale of my 'story', I'd say, is be careful from whence your parts come from. But are there any drag link sources other than china and india? I don't know. -- Ron

(just for reference and comparison: pitman arm side, screw in fully, then back off 1 turn. bellcrank side, screw in fully, then back off 1/4 turn)

 

Thanks for the feedback gents. Yes, on this project I've had to rework almost all of the reproduction (not service replacement) parts. I've got the same kit and I've learned to measure and compare everything before use.

I blasted the drag link today and checked it out. Looks good so I'll get with the rebuild tomorrow.

Then I need to install the new front leafs, rebuild the steering bell rank, replace the tie rod ends, install the shocks, replace the spider gears, replace the pinion seal, repack the steering knuckles, rebuild the front brakes, etc. etc...