Steering question / drag link length?

[EBGeek]

It looks like I may have a non-standard drag link on my steering setup.

Backstory; I recently upgraded from manual steering to a 4x4x2 setup and have had an incredibly hard time getting the sector shaft adjusted right (had to back it out for new valve housing to fit). Short story; when my tires are straight, my box/pitman arm is off center, so my sector shaft/worm gear aren't meshed in the middle (I can only assume not making my steering any tighter). On the steering wheel, the difference between centered tires and centered box is about 45 degrees. I have a standard steering setup (not inverted Y, forget what the other one is called) and my drag link is not adjustable. At center, my pitman arm is slightly off to the drivers side, and it appears it can't be moved due to the splines on the box/arm.

Can someone tell me what the standard drag length is (JBG and others don't specify) so I can determine if a new drag link would address my problem. Sounds like to me I need to get an adjustable one. Is that a common part of the 4x4x2 upgrade? I don't remember reading about that during the upgrade...

 

[zeeman1]

A new steering box/pitman arm, and any lift will make a difference in how long your drag-link should be. Are you sitting completely stock? If so then the measurement would help, if not You'd be better off just measuring how long you need it to be and cut yours down, or order one that will fit the bill.

 

[broncnaz]

Just center the steering box by counting the number of turns it takes to get from lock to lock then half it and turn it to center. On most setups the pitman arm will not be centered where you think it should be. If the tierod doesnt fit up to the pitman arm with the wheels straight ahead then yes you could use a adjustable drag link. If its real close its probably not a issue and you may not really need a adjustable drag link. You could also just pull the steering wheel and move it so its centered up like it was. The 4x4x2 box sits a little lower than a stock EB manual box so there will be a differance.

 

[70_Steve]

On the steering wheel, the difference between centered tires and centered box is about 45 degrees. ......

At center, my pitman arm is slightly off to the drivers side, and it appears it can't be moved due to the splines on the box/arm.

Don't worry about where the steering wheel is to start off with.

When you say "at center", does that mean 'with the steering box centered'? That's where you should start. I have read on this board, and seen pics posted of a stock steering box when centered, and apparently it's normal for the pitman arm to point slightly to the drivers side.

A suspension lift, different steering box, etc, will all have an effect on the length of the drag link. I'm not surprised that you now need an adjustable one.

Start with the steering box centered (turn all the way one direction, turn all the way the other direction counting the number of turns, turn back half the number of turns). Then pull and remount the steering wheel. With the wheels pointing straight ahead, connect the drag link. as broncnaz says, if it's real close it may not matter. You should still be able to turn the wheel/box from one stop on the knuckles to the other. You don't want the box to be the thing limiting your turning.