47 mercury drag link question

[Lon5ie]

I am putting together a 47 mercury and can't quite determine the proper way to install the drag link. The link has the "Fixed" ball end and the other end has the replaceable end with the drag link adjuster sleeve. All the diagrams I have seen in the manuals show the adjustable sleeve on the spindle end, not the pitman end. But the only way I can see installing the drag link is with the non replaceable end toward the spindle and the adjustable sleeve with replaceable end toward the pitman arm. It appears that both ends install with the nuts on the bottom side due to taper in the spindle and pitman arm. Is this correct?. I have almost no clearance where the link goes under the right hand torsion bar.

 

[1931 flamingo]

Not sure on the install but you may have a "weak" front spring??
Paul in CT

 

[Lon5ie]

Should have mentioned that there is no weight on the front end as I have the engine and all fenders etc...removed

 

[flathead48]

I would place adjustable end on pitman arm

 

[Teich]

Above is correct adjuster to the pitman arm, the nut will face down on both ends, when you steer to the right the drag link gets real close to the radius arm. Laurie

 

[Lon5ie]

Thanks a bunch for the reply...I thought so as it seemed like it was the only way it fit.......but all Ford and Mercury chassis manuals show it with adjuster towards pitman end. I really appreciate your response and now I can stop wondering! Thanks so much!!!

 

[George/Maine]

I has a 48 with no nose or engine and was hitting the wish bone.
If its bent right when together shouldn't hit.
You want the steering wheel in middle and right front straight then adjust to link up.

 

[Lon5ie]

Makes sense...then won't have to adjust later.......Thanks so much for your help!

 

[rich b]

Doesn't the fixed end of your drag link have an angle built in to it right at the knuckle? If the fixed end was attached to the spindle, it would aim down instead of upward toward the pitman arm (at least the drag links I have are made that way).

I suspect your clearance problem results from no engine weight.

 

[Lon5ie]

There is no angle built into it right at the fixed end...I believe that may have been for earlier models? It has a bend about a foot or so in and bends upward toward the adjusting sleeve end which then fits into the pitman arm side. I think the fixed end does go on the spindle end. I think the clearance is due to no weight. Thanks for your thoughts!