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adjusting drag link m38a1
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 2:39 pm
by ktm25089
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
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:44 pm
by 4x4M38
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,
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:48 pm
by ktm25089
need both ends,
1/4 and 1/2 only?ok,i will try that.
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:25 pm
by wesk
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.

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:49 pm
by 4x4M38
Note that there are two part C ball seats back to back on the gear end.
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 9:44 pm
by wesk
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!

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:32 am
by ktm25089
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
Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 1:28 pm
by 4x4M38
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.
Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:14 pm
by wesk
after i will tight the bolts how much to loose them?
1/2 and 1/4 turn as 4x4m38 says?
Correct. Follow the book.
Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:53 pm
by ktm25089
Done!!!
Thanks all for the help!!

Posted: Thu May 03, 2018 8:48 am
by oreo3156
was just going to post this question but found this thread searching, awesome info!
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 3:44 pm
by Rocket
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.
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 6:47 pm
by wesk
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.
Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 7:03 pm
by Rocket
Thank you. I'll do a bit of trial and error, snug but not too snug...