Drag link Modification

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 14, 2009

Just thought I would bounce this idea across yooz!

The drag link that fits across the front of a Disco and has a ball joint at each end. This is notoriously difficult to adjust as both ball joints seize into the threaded tube, which comprises the drag link. To adjust the drag link, it appears that the usual aproach is to get a fcuk-off big pair of stilsons and try and rotate the tube, thereby screwing both ball joints in or out as required. Not as easy as it sounds, judging by the "chewed to buggery" marks around my drag link.

Has anyone tried welding a big nut onto each end if the tube, about 4 inches in from the ends, so that you can get a spanner on the tube? It seems such an easy mod, that would be very useful.

What are your thoughts on this?

andyb66 · Jul 14, 2009

The HD arms that I have on my Discovery have 'flats' on each end for this very purpose. So in principle it would/should work.

TheMunster · Jul 14, 2009

aye i tried to adjust mine the other week and gave up, couldn't free the fecker, fire, wd etc nothing shifted it. dunno if theres enough to weld to to get it strong enough though. if you do it take some pics would be interesting to see if its workable on a standard bar.

Sirus · Jul 14, 2009

Yep the heavy duty ones have this fitted

discool · Jul 14, 2009

It was only last week that I replaced a ball joint, not so easy, but I poped both ball joints out and put the drag link in the vice, it was easy then to unscrew the old ball joint and replace, with a bit of copper grease.

Trewey · Jul 14, 2009

I crawl under my landy every 3 months with a can of spray grease and give every nut and bolt I can see a squirt.
I rarely have a problem undoing things.

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 14, 2009

discool said:
It was only last week that I replaced a ball joint, not so easy, but I poped both ball joints out and put the drag link in the vice, it was easy then to unscrew the old ball joint and replace, with a bit of copper grease.

Thats just what I have done - thats ok, but I wondered if it would be worth while "improving" it whilst it was off the car. Once done - fixed for life?????

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 16, 2009

pics of modification....

Trewey · Jul 16, 2009

Doesn't the offside one clash with the protection bracket on the underside of the diff?

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 16, 2009

not yet. I cant see anything it can foul on, but until I fit it, i cant check on full lock.

gemsdad · Jul 16, 2009

looks like a worthwhile mod as long as it doesnt hit/bang into anything else.

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 16, 2009

dont seem to - gorra check on full lock though.

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 17, 2009

here are pics of the finished article in situ - no fouling, works a treat

yours for only ........................ :nospamhere:

Paul D · Jul 17, 2009

That looks the bollocks that does .. a decent, simple mod that could save ages ... think I'll remember to do this when I re-do mine though????

battenberg · Jul 17, 2009

Any idea what size nuts you used? i take it you just found a couple lying about...
need to do all me ball joints soon, may well have a look at doing this, but may need to buy them.

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 17, 2009

nope - i bought them - just asked for some with a 1" thread, but in retrospect 7/8" approx. would be better - you need to bore them out to 7/8"+ to fit over the tube for welding. If you have a steering guard, check positioning and clearance - luckily I didnt on mine, but the drag link does run close to the steering guard on Tufftee.

gemsdad · Jul 17, 2009

great mod,simple but very effective.well done mhm.

ratty · Jul 17, 2009

gemsdad said:
Sirus? great mod,simple but very effective.

snigger

Andy200TDi · Jul 17, 2009

Had exactly that thought for the steering arm behind the axle... for tracking adjustment... will have to be careful of the steering damper mount though I think.

And I'll have to un-sieze the adjustment tubes first!

The Mad Hat Man · Jul 17, 2009

Andy200TDi said:
Had exactly that thought for the steering arm behind the axle... for tracking adjustment... will have to be careful of the steering damper mount though I think.

And I'll have to un-sieze the adjustment tubes first!

dont think it will work there tho - because the damper stops the tube revolving except in complete revolutions. Maybe the damper needs to be clamped to the tube, rather than welded to it............. hmmmmm maybe another design review required - but not tonite, Josephine

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Drag link Modification

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