Drag link cap question

[LittleTimmy52]

Edit: solved, I had the drag link rod backwards so the worn side was on the tie rod when it was to be the less worn side. After flipping it around and putting the spring cap back on the other side it's fine now.


On the end that goes to the ball on the tie rod was there a different shorter spring loaded cap? I have a new pitman arm but s worn ball so I decided to put my spring cap on that other side to take the slack, my issue is that it just barely hits the spindle arm because it's a but long. Was there ever a shorter one made? Also langs doesn't have any shims last I called, so where might I source some because I can't use the spring cap?

[Craig Leach]

Hi Tim,
The ball can be replaced, I just purchased one from a vender. Is the length more the issue or the diameter? I have seen some that are more robust, if it’s just hitting a bit would a file on both the steering arm & the cap solve the issue? In a pinch I have driven a dime into a socket with a ball peen hammer ball & installed it in the stock cap to get a guy through a tour. I have not had the issue with the APCO cap before is your drag link bent? Or could you turn it around? Just spitballing here.
Craig.

[speedytinc]

As pictured, the apco cap is hitting the anti rattle, hide the slop spring device.
One too many accessories being used @ a time.
Instead of patching the problem with other stuff, fix it right. file the cap/tie rod bar & replace the ball.
A shim will pound out on an egg shaped ball.

[LittleTimmy52]

I found my issue, when I had my front end apart I had the drag link rod backwards, the more worn socket on the pit man arm side was on the less worn tie rod, after I flipped the rod around a d put the old cap on (not the spring loaded one) it was fine. So I put the spring cap back onto the pitman arm side. All is now well.

[speedytinc]

The real issue is you need to do some front end work.
A series of partial patches isnt the answer.

[LittleTimmy52]

The real issue is you need to do some front end work.
A series of partial patches isnt the answer.

I did, that's how I had the link rod on backwards. My front end came mostly apart, new bushings we installed I painted the springs with graphite, I put new wheel seals on the hubs repacked everything and replaced the pitman arm. I got the car with the apco spring cap so I still use it. Since ingot the spring cap I don't need to modify the socket on the rod so all is well.