Drag Link Question

[Otterby]

I’m installing a NOS drag link in my ‘48 Super Deluxe. The fixed ball joint end included a flat washer and a rubber washer. How do these set on the ball joint stud. Does the flat washer sit against the ball joint or against the spindle arm? I believe that it’s supposed to sit against the ball joint but being flat it’s going to let the grease escape easily. Or will it conform to the ball joint as the nut is tightened?

 

[mobileparts]

Unless you have a very changed front end,
Ford didn't have Ball Joints until 1954.....

 

[V8COOPMAN]

Unless you have a very changed front end,
Ford didn't have Ball Joints until 1954.....

Look toward the left side of the drawing and you will see the "ball" joint he's referring to on his drag link......perfectly-stock front end! DD

 

[Mart]

^^ It's interesting that that drag link, while adjustable, is not infinitely adjustable. It can only be adjusted to the nearest thread pitch, which is, admittedly, perfectly adequate in that situation.

It is also interesting (to me at least) that the ball joints have a full ball. the ones I have cut apart have a big hemisphere on the taper stud side and a smaller hemisphere on the closed side.

Yes I'm an engineering nerd.

Sorry I can't answer about the washers without seeing the parts. The aim is to seal the joint so it should be obvious if the parts are correct.

Mart.

 

[Kube]

I’m installing a NOS drag link in my ‘48 Super Deluxe. The fixed ball joint end included a flat washer and a rubber washer. How do these set on the ball joint stud. Does the flat washer sit against the ball joint or against the spindle arm? I believe that it’s supposed to sit against the ball joint but being flat it’s going to let the grease escape easily. Or will it conform to the ball joint as the nut is tightened?

Here's a photo that should help.

 

[Otterby]

Thanks for the help. I guess I shouldn't be calling the ends ball joints. They're the same as tie rod ends, just on a drag link and not a tie rod. It looks like my flat washer should be cupped to match the contour of the ball. I think I'll just use the washer off of my old end.

 

[Don Rogers]

Otterby, I think part of the problem is that your flat washer should be a cupped washer as Mr. Kube has shown. It serves as a seal