Drag Link/Center Link Replacement Tips and Question

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LeftCoast

LeftCoast

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Hi all,

92 base PU 22RE 2-wheel drive

I know I need to rebuild my idler arm, but where the idler arm connects into the drag link is broken as well...it's the post/rod coming out from the far passenger side of the drag link that is broken. It still is connected to the idler arm as it should be (post through the idler arm, locking nut, cotter pin), but the post/rod coming from the drag link seems to be sheared off (on the inside of the DL).

My questions: 1) Is it possible to rebuild/replace that post/rod that comes out of the passenger side of the drag link, or do I just need to replace the entire drag link? (BTW, my 2wd PU is NOT part of the steering recall).

2) if I need to replace the drag link, are there any special tools or tips I'll need to remove/replace the drag link from the Pitman arm, stabilizer, or tie rod ends?

There's play in the idler arm (none in the Pitman), so I will rebuild it using Jayota's write-up from Yotatech: Idler arm rebuild how to - YotaTech Forums

centerlink_fixed.jpg


Thanks in advance.
 
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First off, all that is covered under the steering rod recall for your model. I know because I owned a 92 and had the recall done.

Have you had your truck in for the recall?
 
Jukelemon said:
First off, all that is covered under the steering rod recall for your model. I know because I owned a 92 and had the recall done.

Have you had your truck in for the recall?
Click to expand...


Was yours a two-wheel drive? Mine is a base 2wd 22RE PU, made in Japan, and I called in with the VIN where I bought it and was told it was not part of the recall. That would be awesome if it were...I guess I should call around to other dealerships and Toyota directly; maybe they'll not want steering to be a reason someone gets killed too.

Did anyone get a 2WD truck covered under the recall?

Thanks for the response, Jukelemon.
 
LeftCoast said:
Was yours a two-wheel drive? Mine is a base 2wd 22RE PU, made in Japan, and I called in with the VIN where I bought it and was told it was not part of the recall. That would be awesome if it were...I guess I should call around to other dealerships and Toyota directly; maybe they'll not want steering to be a reason someone gets killed too.

Did anyone get a 2WD truck covered under the recall?

Thanks for the response, Jukelemon.
Click to expand...

Mine was a 4x4. I can not speak for the 2x4's.

But to answer your question, if I understand it, is that NO you cannot replace that stud. It is part of the part.
 
Jukelemon said:
Mine was a 4x4. I can not speak for the 2x4's.

But to answer your question, if I understand it, is that NO you cannot replace that stud. It is part of the part.
Click to expand...


Got it. OEM type replacement is like $60, and I'll replace the bushings in the idler arm while I'm in there ($5)...they need it.

Someone mentioned I might need s gear puller or 2-claw puller to get the Pitman arm off the drag link...does that sound right? Will that fork thing work instead? (I guess I'm not certain how exactly to use the 2-claw). Also, they say to "mark" the Pitman arm before removal...can anyone explain/elaborate on this? I've never messed with steering, and I'm just trying to save some money here, and not crash. I've done my clutch before, but again, never screwed with steering.
 
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You mark the pitman arm so that it will go back in the same position on the splines as it came off so that your steering is not affected. Just mark the arm and then the steering box so that the splines match up when you put it back on.

Center your steering before doing any of this so the steering box/reference point is easily understood.

The pitman arm can be brutal to take off OR it can be very simple. Just depends really.

I would use heat-propane or low setting torch and then pull it with a claw as opposed to a pickle fork.

You may be lucky and the pitman arm just easily comes off after applying heat. The last one I did was just like that i.e. easily came off.
 
Thanks Jukelemon.

I shouldn't need to mark/remove the Pitman arm from the gear box, I hope; I just need to take off the connection to the center link (castle nut and cotter pin). But I will keep the torch in mind, thanks.
 
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