The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Drag link tie rod modification question.

Hi guys, I ran into another issue after lowering the front end of my 55 2nd series 3100 truck.

I've got a clearance issue when turning the steering wheel to the left, the drag link is hitting the axle about half way into the travel. From what I have read this is a common problem when going low, and I've got 6 inches of total drop. 3 inches from the dropped axle and 3 inches form the new leaf springs.

Basically, I need to put a slight bend in the tie rod. Below is a picture from a magazine where they do this very thing after lowering a 55 2nd and getting the same clearance issue.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-o0N_3VbxjJRUxUaWlHMW5ULUE/view?usp=sharing

I've tried to get several different shops to do this for me but they either say the can't because of liability or IMHO want to much to do it. So I think I'm just going to buy a press and do it myself.

Has anybody done something like this before and how strong/many tons of a press do you think I need?

Generally speaking 10-20 tons will bend just about any part that is bendable. 20 tons make easy work on other projects like pushing bearing, bushings, king pins, straightening bumper, etc

Thanks showkey.

I have really limited space at my home. I was hoping to get away with one of those little 6 ton A frame deals they sell at the Horrible Freight but I wasn't really feeling it and I am glad I asked before I bought it.

I'm just gonna have to find some room and probably get the 12 ton deal....I think I have a coupon for 99 bucks.

The shops that I found that were willing do do it wanted 60 dollars and up to do this simple bend. That's almost as much as the drag link cost me...and I couldn't stomach it.

The shops that are refusing to do that because of liability concerns are right- - - -I wouldn't put my financial future at risk to help put a rolling deathtrap on the road, either! What's that Rube Goldberg setup going to do when you encounter an unexpected S-curve on an unfamiliar road?

Please invest in a trailer to haul that thing to and from the car shows, and don't subject those of us who have to share the road with you to the unpredictable handling characteristics you're creating!
Jerry

I hear you Jerry...by the way I had to google Rude Goldberg, and his crazy drawings are pretty cool.

This truck is gonna be driver and I made sure the front end drop was done right. All the angles have been addresses...the drag link is flipped and level so there shouldn't be any bump steer issues. The axle is shimmed and should have nice positive caster. I haven't adjusted toe yet but I plan on having it toe-in just a little. It should drive straight and true...I hope so anyway.

I just need at most a 10 degree bend on that tie rod like that photo I showed to clear a full left turn. It's just kissing enough that it binds...but it's not much.

I've seen some old Mustang tie rod ends that do have an offset cast into them, and a few other Ford models as well. Perhaps one of those will work.

Now you are on to something jaydee! No need in trying to reinvent the wheel, especially one which has been bent on a press.
You could very easily make those Furd ends work, even if you have to make your own drag link to fit them. Jerry needs his peaceful sleep.
Carl

Take a close look at the press setup in the pic you posted. I can see at least four squared-off corners that will create nicks and stress risers during the bending procedure that could, and probably will result in a catastrophic failure of the part that's being bent. I'd be very reluctant to take advice from anyone so irresponsible as to advise that sort of procedure, let alone publish a picture of it. That pic would be an ambulance chaser's gravy train in a lawsuit!
Jerry

Yep, I already see 2 nicks(great stress risers) where the press has contacted the top of the rod on each side.

Ed