The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline drag link

I'm trying to clean up the wandering at higher speeds on my 1955.1 3600. So far I cleaned up, inspected and repacked the tie rod ends. While looking around I see my drag link was sloped down, so I pushed it up to perpendicular to the ground. I then moved the steering back and forth (5 times) and noticed it sloped down again. Is this normal or should I consider changing? My phone isn't sending pictures at this time but I'll try to get another phone so I can post.

Thank you , Brain

Before

After 5 full turns

I don’t think that’s a direct sign of trouble, at least not in and of itself.

It’s just a ball and socket type of thing that wanders wherever it wants to go. Might take a pry bar to various points and see if you can detect any play or looseness. That would be a bigger concern that how it wants to orient around the ball.

Just IMHO, but being it's a critical steering component the condition seems to indicate enough wear that it would warrant replacement. Can't ever be "too safe"!

Agree with JW51 and Gdads51.
There's nothing to keep the drag link joints exactly lined up. They're going to go to the point where the edge of the socket prevents them from moving any more. Their function is to maintain the force along the length of the drag link, and as long as that isn't loose, then it's not going to be the cause of wandering. If you were to install a new drag link, it would likely move to that position as well.
A more common cause of wandering is likely incorrect caster, tie-rod, or wheel bearing looseness. I would check all the steering components and check the wheel alignment.

Its missing the rubber boots. Replace it. GM# 3696469
The Filling Station

I have that same 53-55 drag link on my 51. I’m pretty sure it moves into those same positions even though it’s tight. I can verify tonight. I bought some universal boots to add to mine.

I’m not saying your drag link is GOOD. But the way it’s moving doesn’t necesssarily mean it’s BAD.

What is it with that leaf spring? Is it up side down or assembled backwards? The shorter leaves go next to the axle.

George

Good catch, George.

Those short leaves on top do absolutely nothing to support the truck. The stock springs are 8 leaves with shorter leaves under the main leaf.
Maybe that's someone's attempt to soften the ride by removing leaves and putting them on top as spacers. That will change the ride height AND change the caster angle of the front wheels. That could easily be the cause of wandering if the caster angle is wrong, especially if it's negative putting the intersection of the king pins at the ground behind the center of the axle. That would be real squirrelly.

The short leaves are for spacers. i removed some extra leaves years ago and it improved the ride dramatically. I had 10 leaves on one side and 8 on the other. As I keep at it i'm making the truck faster and safer

If it had different number of leaves on the two sides, then it's definitely been messed with.

I would check the caster angle to see if it's in spec. Any change to ride height (front or rear) will change that.

FWIW faster and safer are opposites, IMO.

How about "I only go as fast as safe"

Buy the correct stock spring packs for each side and install them. Your drag link issue will probably go away.

All of those steering and suspension parts are designed to work together. Installing spacers or whatever on worn out 75 year old springs was not contemplated by the engineers who designed your truck.

Mine is all stock and unrestorted and drives as straight as an arrow at 60mph.

You have no travel in those front springs. It is right up against the rubber snubber. If you are not going to fix it right, cut the ends off those 2 short leaves so the axle can go up further.

George