Drag link adjustment question

F

Ficco55merc

Junior Member
Quick question that I couldn’t seem to find a definitive answer to from searching past threads, trying to tighten up steering a little, drag link is where I’m seeing the most movement while under car with someone moving steering wheel back and forth.
My question is how tight is everyone going with plug?
My manual says tighten fully then back off 1 1/2 turns and install cotter pin,
Another manual I saw on a ford trucks forum called for backing off only 1/2 a turn to install cotter pin.
Seems like a lot less slop when I go the 1/2 turn out but don’t wanna cause any premature wear from over tightening plug.
I did rebuild this drag links 5 or 6 years ago and I think I went 1 1/2 turns out and it’s always been a little sloppy. Better after fresh grease
 
You installed a ball stud service kit and it was still somewhat loose?

Do you think the drag link socket may be worn?
 

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  • BALL STUD REPAIR KIT - MS - (B2AZ 3A533-A) - NPD T 3A532-2.jpg
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  • DRAG LINK (3304-5) -1954-56 FORD - AD 3305-B _2.jpg
    DRAG LINK (3304-5) -1954-56 FORD - AD 3305-B _2.jpg
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I did, about 5 to 6 years ago along with a new pitman arm, made a world of difference but still some slop, I know I can adjust steering box but trying to make sure everything else is good first
Always feels better after fresh grease. Just wondering if everyone backs the plug out 1 1/2 turns or go less turns out then that
 
I know I can adjust steering box but trying to make sure everything else is good first
Click to expand...

Well, to properly adjust the box, the drag link needs to be removed from the drag link. IF the box adjusts correctly (sector and input shaft) and then if you still have movement after reconnected, it is other than the box.

If you have to tighten the ball stud adj tighter than WSM spec, there is too much clearance somewhere. If you tighten beyond spec and there is free movement (no binding) and is kept well greased, I see no further damage than what is already there.
 
Thank you for your input, I’m gonna go with one turn out on drag link and put some miles on it to see how it feels, appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions, when the cold weather hits I’m gonna see about tightening up the box
 
Make sure it has adequate grease. The old grease jobs are few and far between today and most have no clue.
At 80 I still do my own oil and filter changes at 1 year or 10 miles. I had problems with my grease gun and one upper ball joint but that “clamping” fitting for the grease gun they advertised on you tube worked great.
 
It’s currently on my lift getting an oil change and grease now, replacing the grease fitting on the drag link after work today and then it’ll get grease adequately
 
Just make sure after the adjustment you at no time feel any binding or hard to return to straight ahead (centering). It will be the same as a mis-adjusted box, it may bite you.
 
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