So after years of abuse the drag link on my 1980 4x4 gave up and fell off the pitman arm. I finished removing the drag link and was able to dis-assemble one end but the other end is a problem. The end cap is damaged from a previous owner and even if I can get the cap out the cup appears rusted in and the slot in the arm is wallowed out from the ball rubbing on it. The truck has little or no lift on it so I don't think a drop style drag link will work. I already have a rebuild kit but I think this drag link is not repairable. Does anyone know where I can purchase a new drag link? Thanks

 

You might find one at http://yodajims.com/. Or a a local parts yard.

 

I just pulled mine off of my 1gen last weekend to do a cross over swap, it may be for a lifted application though. If you can measure your's I throw a tape on mine if youre interested in it.

 

My drag link is 20" long, here is what the ends look like. The boots were both rotted off. Illannoy road salt didn't help this situation either



I was able to get this one apart

bottom cup in picture is rusted in, still soaking it with PB Blaster

 

Yeah that looks pretty terrible! I'll throw a tape on mine tonight and will sell cheap if you're interested

 

I have made a lot of bad choices in my life but putting that back on my truck would rank up near the top! Let me know what yours looks like, definitely interested

 

Here is what my drop drag link looks like: I have both of the ends although I think they could stand to be replaced.

 

Thanks for checking for me, I don't think the drop style will fit though. No salvage yards around here any old Yotas, I'll either hit up Yota Jim's or fab one out of round stock.
Thanks

 

Sorry I couldn't be more help! Keep us posted.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-80-81-...YAAOSwpDdU4MoT

idk if this is it and i dont know why the seller didnt take the time to pressure wash it or hit it with a stick or something but maybe it will help.

 

I just finished the job a beer or 2 ago. Ended up with one of those, wasn't quite as bad as the picture shows. I cleaned it up, put my new cups, springs, caps and boots and back on the road! It would have been a lot easier if I had taken the front wheel off, but my lug wrench was in my other truck at the shop.

 

Hi guys, I replaced my drag link over the weekend but now have issues with my steering (lock to lock).

It's now 2.5 turns to left lock, and only 1.5 to right lock.

The stock drag link in non adjustable, so can only really tie everything together in one set of measurements. To reset my steering lock am I best to pull the Pittman arm off the steering box, realign the steering here and then reattach the Pittman arm?

I'm at a loss as to why this threw everything so far out!

Thanks

 

Was the steering equal before replacing the drag link? You may want to try centering the travel of the pitman arm then connecting the drag link while the wheels are straight.

 

Hey buckwheat, yes it was pretty good.

Looking at it again last night (in the dark) I think I found the issue, the drag link is directional and is hitting the spring mount..!

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Yes, its backwards. I noticed it when I replaced mine but forgot about it until now

 

I'll remove/reinstall and report back, hopefully it's that simple!