Drag link worn out?

[humper99]

Question #1: I just figured out what was making the clunking sound in my front end. My drag link that hooks to the steering box arm was so loose it was clunking. I was able to tighten it by removing the cotter pin and turning the threaded cap in (went in about 3 turns). My question is will this end be alright like this or should I consider this a temporary fix and replace it? The end cap is turned in so far that the cotter pin is almost out of the groove on the outside. My passenger side was loose as well and I got about 1.5 turns on that. It's solid now and I cleaned everything and relubed it good but I'm concerned about the strength of the joint now.

Question #2: Also packed grease into the pipe plug fitting on the knuckle housing. How much grease should be in there? I put an entire mini tube of grease in each side and the're still not full. My book only says remove plug and repack with grease. I don't think the PO kepted her lubed to well.

 

[Doc]

When was the last time you checked your front differential fluid?

Don't just pack grease in the knuckle without checking that. You might be filling the axle with grease.

It won't hurt to drain the differential and check the condition of the oil inside. If it still looks like oil, good for you, keep it up. if it looks like mold pancake batter, you need to quit pumping grease in the knuckles and look at fixing your inner oil seal that is no longer functioning. It's a big job.

No info on the drag links, sorry.

 

[bjowett]

It may be fine... the only real way to tell is break the joint down and inspect for excessive wear. I've taken these appart and seen pennies stacked under the threaded cap to help take up slack when the cap runs out of thread depth.

 

[humper99]

I think I'm going to go ahead and replace them. Found a whole kit to do tie rod ends, drag links, and everthing for under $75 so better safe than sorry seeing how the worst one is the only thing connecting my steering wheel to the road.
The front fluid is on my to do list. Checked the rear and it was fine and was planing to get to the front before I went wheeling and had to put her 4wd. Looks like I'll move it up on the list of repairs.

 

[Landpimp]

a nickle fits better .............not that I would know

It may be fine... the only real way to tell is break the joint down and inspect for excessive wear. I've taken these appart and seen pennies stacked under the threaded cap to help take up slack when the cap runs out of thread depth.

 

[zuluzeugma]

If you have the money, replace it now. Don't be like me and keep putting it off until it comes apart at 65MPH on I 20 in birmingham on the way home from school. That ball joint tottaly fell apart on me. I prayed real hard, threw it in 3rd and let the truck go where it wanted. I wound up going down an offramp. I got a BF steel bar out of the back and beat the hell out of it then put about 30 winds of duct tape around the joint and drove the other 500 miles back to charlotte. Its kinda scary to turn your steering wheel back and forth with no result. LOL good luck bro