Drag Link Question

Topic: Drag Link Question (Read 773 times) previous topic - next topic

Drag Link Question

May 01, 2022, 09:28:56 am

The drag link on our 99 U270 is worn and the repair place says it needs to be replaced. They are not available at the moment and Foretravel confirmed this. The drag link is about 5' long verses most over the counter ones that are less than 3'.
I assume the heavy steel bar is perfect, so my question is can the repair facility not just replace the end joints, and if so has anyone done that and know what parts it uses?
Thanks
David

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #1 – May 01, 2022, 09:56:22 am

What exactly are you calling a drag link,pictures would really help.Is it the bar that goes from the steering box to the left front wheel or the bar that connects the 2 front wheels together?If one of those the end links are common repair parts.

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #2 – May 01, 2022, 10:08:02 am

Rubber dust boots are are prone to age and crack, not a reason to replace entire drag link if that's the case other than excessive play.

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #3 – May 01, 2022, 10:11:44 am

One is a drag link, the other is a tie rod--assume he is correct as some drag links are only a few feet long. Yes, you can sometimes replace the ends but getting ends to match the dia, thread pitch/count and right vs left threading can be a challenge, especially for older vehicles. Another issues is getting the old ends freed from the connecting tube. The other option is to just have the whole link fabricated from scratch.
PS--as mentioned, be careful, deteriorated grease cups is not a reason to replace the entire drag link.

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #4 – May 01, 2022, 10:14:00 am

Thanks for your reply's.
I do not have it here, my assumption is that it's the bar from the steering box back to the wheels, the tech said it was about 5' long
We are getting some wander in the steering which is what I asked them to look at

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #5 – May 01, 2022, 10:18:54 am

Does anyone know what vehicle the drag link is from or was it a custom build for Foretravel?

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #6 – May 01, 2022, 10:26:48 am

I am sure it was a custom built unit for Foretravel but the ends would be stock items if you can get the shop to get the diameter and threads per inch (TPI) from your old one and put the information here if they don't want to research it.

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #7 – May 01, 2022, 10:31:48 am

Thanks craneman I will talk to them in the morning and see what needs to be done

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #8 – May 01, 2022, 10:43:35 am

Yes, that IS the drag link.

But, I have to ask, is it the ENDS that are worn or the bar itself? Are the ends on your drag link threaded (i.e. replaceable)?

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #9 – May 01, 2022, 10:44:03 am

Replaced mine on my 96 a few years ago,common parts.You can probably find part numbers searching here on the forum,will check my files.

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #10 – May 01, 2022, 11:35:55 am

Quote from: "Irish" – May 01, 2022, 10:31:48 am

I will talk to them in the morning and see what needs to be done

Never hurts to have a little refresher course before talking with the shop.

https://youtu.be/4dxZdGviEdQ

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #11 – May 01, 2022, 11:36:36 am

If none of the options mentioned above works, I can't imagine fabricating one would be too hard for most offroad shops. Here's one for instance: Custom Draglink: " per customer's measurements

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #12 – May 01, 2022, 01:25:14 pm

The drag link ends on his '99 ends should be:

1.25-12-RH tpi and 7/8"-14 stud Meritor #R230070
1.25-12-LH tpi and 7/8"-14 stud Meritor #R230071

Now if you are talking tie rod ends:

1.12-12 RH tpi and 7/8"-14 tpi stud Meritor #R230069
1.12-12 LH tpi and 7/8"-14 tpi stud Meritor #R230068

The replacement boot that fits all 4 places:
L24VC0109

Now it is your job to double check these # against what is on the coach.

Mike

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #13 – May 01, 2022, 02:50:20 pm

Bring it here I'll help you change them,we'll put some penetrant and if all else fails some heat to the threads.

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #14 – May 01, 2022, 06:22:16 pm

Thank you all for your offers of help and The amazing parts list, will send it to the shop tomorrow morning.
It's so great having your help!

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #15 – May 08, 2022, 06:18:59 pm

Thanks for all the help, got the new tie rod ends and all is well with the tie rod, 100 miles later the steering box is suddenly leaking: make my day 😂

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #16 – May 15, 2022, 10:32:37 pm

Should have a rebuilt box in the next few days, it's a standard shepherd m100, however they are not all the same, so on one would guarantee that they would have the parts for mine. There is a number punched on the bottom of it that tells the rebuilder what model it is within the series.
Of all places one was found in Texas!
Now just waiting. .........

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #17 – May 21, 2022, 06:27:23 pm

Got the rebuilt steering box, the only one available was in Texas, had it shipped $100, it weighed 120 lbs in the box,
No one would just replace the seals stating liability. Had it aligned $90 and it steers beautifully.
Thanks
David

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Drag Link Question

May 01, 2022, 09:28:56 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #1 – May 01, 2022, 09:56:22 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #2 – May 01, 2022, 10:08:02 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #3 – May 01, 2022, 10:11:44 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #4 – May 01, 2022, 10:14:00 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #5 – May 01, 2022, 10:18:54 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #6 – May 01, 2022, 10:26:48 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #7 – May 01, 2022, 10:31:48 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #8 – May 01, 2022, 10:43:35 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #9 – May 01, 2022, 10:44:03 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #10 – May 01, 2022, 11:35:55 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #11 – May 01, 2022, 11:36:36 am

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #12 – May 01, 2022, 01:25:14 pm

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #13 – May 01, 2022, 02:50:20 pm

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #14 – May 01, 2022, 06:22:16 pm

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #15 – May 08, 2022, 06:18:59 pm

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #16 – May 15, 2022, 10:32:37 pm

Re: Drag Link Question

Reply #17 – May 21, 2022, 06:27:23 pm

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