Drag link issues

AlwaysCrawling

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #1

Hey guys my drag link is shifting when I turn the steering wheel back and forth here's a video of the issue (http://youtu.be/7mnGBy5HwQE). Can some one help me diagnose what the issue might be? Thanks!

 

OverlanderJK

Resident Smartass

• Jan 9, 2015

• #2

Looks like it's shot.

 

wayoflife

Administrator

Staff member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #3

Sorry, didn't see the clip but, if the tie rod ends are "rotating", that's totally normal. If you are seeing shifting either side to side or up and down at the tie rod end, it's probably worn out.

 

Txjkjpr

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #4

To me it looks like the rod end is shot. If it is the stock drag link they have a plastic cup inside the joint that wears out. Looks like a good time to upgrade. With that much movement and the nut end isn't moving that would be my best guess.

 

rinkishjk

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #5

It's shot. I would check the pitman arm end also. Your best bet is to get a new drag link assembly.

 

AlwaysCrawling

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #6

Thanks guys, thats what I was fearing, guess a stronger drag link is in my future.

 

Txjkjpr

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #7

AlwaysCrawling said:

Thanks guys, thats what I was fearing, guess a stronger drag link is in my future.

Click to expand...

Get one with replaceable ends. Synergy, Currie and I am sure others have ends that can be replaced without replacing the whole arm. I'd also look at doing the tie rod as well. Be sure to check the ball joints. I just did most of those myself.

 

AlwaysCrawling

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #8

Txjkjpr said:

Get one with replaceable ends. Synergy, Currie and I am sure others have ends that can be replaced without replacing the whole arm. I'd also look at doing the tie rod as well. Be sure to check the ball joints. I just did most of those myself.

Click to expand...

I'll probably go with Synergy because that's what my tie rod is. Just replaced my entire front axle last month so the ball joints should be fine. I'll replace it myself looks simple enough let me know if you have any tips. Thanks!

 

Txjkjpr

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #9

It is pretty easy to do. Take some good measurements before you break the old one free and transfer to the new link. I went with Synergy as well. If you do a top steer you need to add a Track Bar relocate. If you don't change I would recommend getting a 90 degree zerk fitting, otherwise it is a tight squeeze to grease it as it sits really close to the tie rod end.

 

jeeeep

Hooked

• Jan 9, 2015

• #10

also double check your track bar at the axle mount, it looked like what mine was doing a while back.

 

T

tuna

New member

• Jan 9, 2015

• #11

AlwaysCrawling said:

I'll probably go with Synergy because that's what my tie rod is. Just replaced my entire front axle last month so the ball joints should be fine. I'll replace it myself looks simple enough let me know if you have any tips. Thanks!

Click to expand...

I installed a Synergy drag link a month or two ago, the only awkward thing about it was removing the stock pitman arm balljoint end if it's been in there a while, since you need to "pull" it down out, and the taper can be a bitch to come out sometimes. Hammering it didn't work (and you have no access from above), we ended up hammering a pickle fork into the gap and then levering up on the rest of the draglink to pull the actual tapered end out.

 

jnabird333

-

• Jan 9, 2015

• #12

If you live in an area that gets winter salted roads I would not go with Synergy. The adjustment will sieze after one winter.

Honestly, I would just get a new stock end and/or bar. They are way cheaper, and it's not a tough replacement.

 

Last edited: Jan 9, 2015