adjusting drag link m38a1

ktm25089 · Post by **ktm25089** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 2:39 pm

Hello,
just to verify what the manual says
tighten the bolts and the loose the one turn and a half???
is that correct??

Thank you
George

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:44 pm

George,
Which end?

Look at page 269. (1) Gear end is different than (2) axle end.

Gear end: Tighten, then back off 1/4 turn and until one of the slots aligns with the cotter pin holes.

Axle end: Tighten, then back off 1/2 turn and until one of the slots aligns with the cotter pin holes.

Take care,

ktm25089 · Post by **ktm25089** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:48 pm

need both ends,
1/4 and 1/2 only?ok,i will try that.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:25 pm

Make sure you have the correct end forward! Also the two ends share the same set of parts but the two ends are not assembled in the same order.

A, E, C & D are the same but in a different order at each end.

The threaded plugs "G" are different.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:49 pm

Note that there are two part C ball seats back to back on the gear end.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 9:44 pm

Actually the two "C" washers which are concave on one side are not back to back on the aft end of the link. They are concave face to face with the ball from the end of the pitman arm in between them.

On the front end there is only one "C" washer because the threaded plug's inner face is concave for the forward side of the ball off the steering bellcrank and "C" washer's concave face is facing forward against the back side of the ball..

I actually had a illustration for this in my photo album with all the rest of these very educational photos that so few people take advantage of!

ktm25089 · Post by **ktm25089** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:32 am

ok,checked for the ends and the assembly of the parts.
after i will tight the bolts how much to loose them?
1/2 and 1/4 turn as 4x4m38 says?

thanks

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 1:28 pm

Yes, Wes,
What I was trying to say was that there were two in total of those
on that end. You were much clearer as usual.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:14 pm

after i will tight the bolts how much to loose them?
1/2 and 1/4 turn as 4x4m38 says?

Correct. Follow the book.

ktm25089 · Post by **ktm25089** » Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:53 pm

Done!!!
Thanks all for the help!!

oreo3156 · Post by **oreo3156** » Thu May 03, 2018 8:48 am

was just going to post this question but found this thread searching, awesome info!

Rocket · Post by **Rocket** » Sun Sep 02, 2018 3:44 pm

Good afternoon, new to the site, but I have a similar question. I understand that the manual states to tighten and then loosen the adjustment plugs, my question is just how tight do you make them, i.e. where do you start? It is a 1 hex, you can tighten them a good deal, but you don't want to crush the ball ends.
Thanks.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Sep 02, 2018 6:47 pm

None of the pubs, military or civilian, offer a torque amount. The civilian books use the terminology "screw in the plug until it is firmly against the ball. I would say in this case "Tighten" & "Firmly" mean until there is no play.

Rocket · Post by **Rocket** » Tue Sep 04, 2018 7:03 pm

Thank you. I'll do a bit of trial and error, snug but not too snug...