Missing Ruckstell linkage

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Steve Jelf
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Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by Steve Jelf » Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:05 am

I have the rear axle unit, and I have the control lever and hardware. What's missing is the linkage. I'm guessing it would be like a brake rod without the rear dog leg — a 5/16" rod with turnbuckle(s). Is that right?
The inevitable often happens.
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DanTreace
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Re: Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by DanTreace » Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:11 am

The factory part is a two piece hollow tube, somewhat like electrical tubing. The two pieces shipped easy. They were held together with a solid insert at the junction and riveted. Ends of each tube with yoke and hole to allow insertion of a clevis pin.

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Langs makes this part out of tubing, with a solid peg for riveting together the 60" long rod, the yoke ends are placed 90 degrees to each other. Could be made different ways with tubing so that you can add the bends to clear driveshaft or other parts of the chassis like the battery carrier. You do have to cut to right length or if wished, add some kind of turnbuckle as you noted. Length is determined by setting the shifter up for its high throw, at the edge of the dash or where you wish, and the shift lock in high (toward rear of car) .
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AndyClary
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Re: Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by AndyClary » Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:38 am

These can easily be made with 1/2 inch conduit there is a slight bend at each end and you can just cut to length and fish mouth the ends to attach. You can also give yourself a little extra clearance at the fuel filter. The guide bracket on the driveshaft tube takes out some of the slop.


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Re: Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by Dan McEachern » Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:53 am

Don't use a brake rod- it will buckle when shifting into high. Order one from Chaffins if you want the original 2 piece style.

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Re: Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by kelly mt » Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:25 am

I used conduit also and made an adjustable end so I could position the shift lever where I wanted it.
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Steve Jelf
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Re: Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by Steve Jelf » Sat Feb 22, 2020 2:08 pm

Thanks, folks. If I had been thinking I would have looked in Glen's catalogue. Seeing what P-38 costs, I expect I'll make my own and spend the money on other parts I'm sure to need.
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Re: Missing Ruckstell linkage

Post by Original Smith » Sat Feb 22, 2020 2:28 pm

There is NO turnbuckle. The adjustment is made by the position of the gear shift. If you are lucky, perhaps you may find one at Chickasha.

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