Drag Link

[CHolmsten]

One of the things that I have noticed coming on recently is steering slop, seems like its getting more and more all the time. Took a look today and see now taht I need a new adjustable drag link, the one I have on there right now is really worn out, must have been a weak part to begin with because the PO told he he had just done it before he sold it to me. Do I need to stick with the adjustable Drag link? Its a 93 W250 leveled riding on 305/75/16's Also does anyone know who makes a good one? I don't want to have to do this again in 3 years.

 

[Simplysmn]

Do what I did and go to crossover steering you will not regret it yeah the kit is close to 400 n change but well worth it and your truck will turn like it should without any problems I used the kit from offroad design as long as you have the dana 60 its a bolt on kit took less then 2 hours to do and man what a difference .



Val

 

[JSchlachta]

can we see some pictures of the crossover steering setup?

 

[Simplysmn]

The truck as it sits NOW! by simplysmn





there is a picture in this if you need a better one I can take some more no problem basicly what it does is goes from steering box to right front with new arm and by passes all the stuff from drag link on left side very easy setup to use and makes are trucks turn better also if you go to OFFROAD design website it shows a better picture also easiest way is go to internet explor and type in dana 60 crossover steering

Val

 

[CHolmsten]

It looks like that would make it easier for the steering gearbox to do its job as well, woulden't take as much torque to turn the wheels. How has that worked out for you? How does it drvie down the road? Have you had it at freeway speeds?

 

[CHolmsten]

Also looks like the kit requires you to change out the kingpin cap, was it worth it to just go in there and rebuild the kingpins while I'm at it?

 

[Simplysmn]

YES the new arm for the right side has a cap welded on to it works great as for going down hwy Awesome speed wise I normally dont do less then 70 plus so I'm happy . Like I said before its a easy kit to install and you will just about beable to turn on a dime and get nine cents change



Val

 

[Makaio]

CHolmsten,



I had the same problem you're experiencing. When I first installed a 1. 5-2" add-a-leaf from Superlift, I noticed my steering wheel off by 90*. I installed a Superlift adjustable drag link to compensate for that mild change in geometry and my steering wheel was straight again. After less than a year, the tie rod end at the pitman arm side of the drag link failed. After having different experts look at it, I was told there was too much angle on the drag link at the pitman arm end. Hmm, I only installed a 1. 5-2" add-a-leaf and was told by more than one source that a drop pitman arm wasn't needed. I searched the web and ended up purchasing another adjustable drag link; this time from Skyjacker. I also noticed that Skyjacker offers a drop down pitman arm for 2-4" lifts AND one for a 4" AND one for a 6" lift. Now I have a 2" Skyjacker front spring lift with a Skyjacker adjustable drag link and a Skyjacker drop down pitman arm for a moderate 2-4" lift. I also noticed that the Skyjacker drag link had a milder bend to it, hence less of a stress angle. Maybe purely by chance because both companies take a stock drag link and then cut, thread and install the turnbuckle. I haven't had any problems since. Sorry for the earful but I wanted to share this headache with you. :-laf If I had the time and money, I would probably opt for the crossover approach.



Aloha,

Matt

 

[Simplysmn]

the crossover setup it the Hot Ticket makes the trucks turn better and everything that is 1 of the things I am glad I did to mine Most bang for the buck .

 

[JSchlachta]

when you went to the crossover steering did you remove the front sway bar. I just looked at mine and it looks like the sway bar would be in the way.

 

[JSchlachta]

Picture showing steering box and sway bar. Did you have any problem nmoving the steering box to the 2wd location?? with ps hoses.

 

[Moab4x4]

Val,

Did you get the drop pitman from ORD as well or another vendor. 4" drop?

I have the 4" drop pitman arm and a 4" skyjacker softride in front. I had no bump steer with stock springs, but with these flexy ones I sure do. Crossover is on the to do list.

Some have had problems with the drag link hitting the front crossmember. Did you have to give ORD special measurements or did you order an off the shelf system?

Thanks

Ken

 

[Simplysmn]

Hey Ken sorry about not getting back to you quicker but i was out of town I bought the whole kit from offroad design it came with drop pitman arm and link along with tierod ends . as for sway bar mine didnt have one . My truck was orig. 2 x4 now its 4x4



Val

 

[Mopar_Tim]

hey guys could one of you do me a favor and get someone to help you ... . have some one saw the wheel back and forth and watch your frame where the box attaches ... ... i would be willing to bet that they are twisting bad ... ... i know the one in my trailduster does and was wondering if the thicker frames of the 1 ton fixes that