Drag link question

[JKEmmy]

Hey guys, I'm going to be replacing my drag link here in a day or so..... My wife and I leave for ejs Thursday so I'm not sure I'll have time to get an alignment. As long as I make sure the links are about the same length so the steering wheel isn't a whole turn off, and then fine tune the wheel straight do I really need an alignment? I didn't think the drag link affected toe or anything. Also any tips or tricks to make the job go smoothly and efficiently are appreciated!

 

[WJCO]

Hey guys, I'm going to be replacing my drag link here in a day or so..... My wife and I leave for ejs Thursday so I'm not sure I'll have time to get an alignment. As long as I make sure the links are about the same length so the steering wheel isn't a whole turn off, and then fine tune the wheel straight do I really need an alignment? I didn't think the drag link affected toe or anything. Also any tips or tricks to make the job go smoothly and efficiently are appreciated!

You will not need to take the vehicle in for an alignment. The only adjustment needed is re-centering the steering wheel. A pickle fork may be a handy tool to have as it helps separate the old one from the pitman arm and knuckle easier.

Here's a link on re-centering the steering wheel after you get the new drag link on: https://wayalife.com/showthread.php...nt-End-Alignment?p=42376&viewfull=1#post42376

 

[wjtstudios]

You can usually rent a pickle fork for free at a local auto parts store, but they do make the task a lot easier


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[fiend]

Pickle fork will likely ruin the grease boots in the link being removed, but maybe you don’t care about that.


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[MSJKU11]

I used one of these from the loan a tool at a local auto store. Worked liked a charm.

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[Braxtonsag]

am i the only one that uses a mini sledge to remove drag links?

 

[JKbrick]

am i the only one that uses a mini sledge to remove drag links?

Nope, I do too, on the knuckle end but it’s hard to swing a sledge and get a good hit up on the pitman arm if I recall


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[Braxtonsag]

Nope, I do too, on the knuckle end but it’s hard to swing a sledge and get a good hit up on the pitman arm if I recall


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ohh yeah thats true. when i changed mine i just swapped to the RHD one and didnt need to remove the pitman end. excuse my ignorance

 

[Slimebones]

I used one of these from the loan a tool at a local auto store. Worked liked a charm. View attachment 324774

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Yeah, this is the perfect tool for this job.

 

[Ajkaz]

Yeah, this is the perfect tool for this job.

I also recommend this tool! After an hour of trying different things, this puller removed it in just a couple minutes.

 

[desertrunner]

am i the only one that uses a mini sledge to remove drag links?

Depends on if I'm planning on using it after I remove it haha
I have removed a few and I have had the pickle fork tear the boot and I have used it successfully without damaging it same goes for a BFH one of my joints got destroyed and others were fine so good luck to the OP they both work

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[USMC Wrangler]

I used one of these from the loan a tool at a local auto store. Worked liked a charm. View attachment 324774

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I bought a similar one at my local Harbor Freight for around $20. Definitely better than a pickle fork. Highly recommended for the pitman arm end.

 

[BaddestCross]

Pickle fork and a brass hammer usually does the job for me.

--
Build Thread - Adventures of Fiona - https://wayalife.com/showthread.php?t=47407

 

[JKEmmy]

Awesome thanks everyone! I'll check AutoZone and see if they have one to rent.

 

[DMF]

When I took my draglink off, for what ever reason it wouldn’t come off on the pitman side using a pickle fork. I was swinging for the fences with the hammer and it still won’t come off. I ended up using a jack and a cut op piece of 2x4 to put leverage on the handle. Anyways, enough of my personal problems.


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