The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1946 2 ton drag link ball replacement

I'm in the middle of a frame off budget resto on my 46 2ton- just about have a complete rolling chassis- finishing up painting the last 2 wheels and mounting new tires..

I noticed the drag link ball was worn out pretty bad on one side and will probably snap off at some point if not fixed.

looks like its pressed in, I haven't tried to take it out yet, until I find a replacement. I see many listed for the 1/2 tons, are these 2 tons the same size or bigger? Anyone know where I can get them?

best to use a press in one again or a threaded one?

Thanks for the help!

I believe I bought one for the 2 ton from the filling station.
When you press the other one out, I believe it is pressed in and flared. Grind away the flaring before pressing it out.
To flare the new one, I used a ball-peen hammer that had the right size end as a flaring tool and used the press to sung it up.

ok, I saw those at the filling station, they all said fits 1/2 ton, I guess if the 2-tons are a 1 inch ball as well then I should be able to make it work, mints so bad I cant really tell what size ball it used to be.

mine looks like it was heated at the bottom and hammered with a punch or something, hopefully I can get it out!

thanks.

Once I removed the flare it was no problem to remove with the 20 ton press.

ok doesn't sound too hard, thanks everyone!

JLM I may have that arm NOS if needed.

I have the actual drag link and it appears to be serviceable, thanks David.

I did mine (47 AD 1.5 ton) a few years back. Both balls replaced and overhauled the drag link. I kept all the small parts I replaced on the truck as they are very handy for reference and take up litte space. So:
The balls are 1 inch. On the steering arm off the spindle, mine looks to be peened over, but may be welded, I cant remember. looks peened. Welding steering parts is illegal here. The old part looks like I cut it off on the ball side close to the arm then punched it through. On the Pitman arm off the steering box I have used a bolt in one.
If you search drag link on the Filling Station site, all the balls look applicable. Also get the overhaul kit FS-148 as it fits all cars and trucks 1932-1959, that shows sizes were very common.
These guys also list the parts
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_117.html
You need to overhaul the drag link.
From some radiator hose that was a perfect fit (metric size I think, not sure) I made sleeve covers for each end of the drag link that will help keep the dirt and water out and the grease in.