How to Install an F350 Drag Link

The drag link on a F-350 is the steering link from the Pitman arm on the bottom of the steering box and the steering arm on the knuckle located on the axle. The only difference in these links is primarily the way they are bolted, depending on whether the truck has a Dana 40 or 66 axle. As the tie rod ends wear, they become loose, and the looseness is transmitted to the steering wheel, allowing a lot of freeplay in the steering before the tires move.

Instructions

1

Raise the truck with the floor jack and place jack stands under the frame. Lower the truck so it rests on the stands. Remove the cotter pins from both tie rod end nuts, using the wire cutters. Remove the tie rod end nuts with a wrench.

2

Place the tie rod remover tool (looks like a two-prong fork with a long handle) between the drag link tie rod end on the knuckle and the knuckle. Hammer the tool until the tie rod end comes out of the knuckle. Place the tool between the Pitman arm and the tie rod end and hammer this end out of the Pitman arm.

3

Install the new drag link tie rod end in the Pitman arm first. Tap the tie rod end down so the tapered stud is tight enough not to turn while the nut is tightened. Tighten the nut with the wrench and install a cotter pin.

4

Install the opposite end into the knuckle and tap the tie rod end a little to lock the shaft in place. Install the nut and tighten it with a wrench. Install a cotter pin. Lower the truck.