Thread: drop arm alignment etc

I'm replacing track rod/drag link ball joints but i can't get the drag link ball joint to screw all the way in - stops when there's still about 3-4 threads left to go -is that normal? BTW-the old one i removed wouldn't either when i tried it.

I didn't cut down the drag link tube but the tie-rod end thread so i could get it to screw into the drag link tube enough to give the correct adjustment/length.

Originally Posted by Jode

That's lateral thinking - got your problem sorted! But you shouldn't need to cut down the drag link tube.

You are working with three components - the drag link, the bracket that bolts onto the steering box drop arm, and the ball joint that connects the link to the LH wheel. It's quite possible that one or more of those parts are non-standard third-party parts that aren't true pattern parts, which is resulting in the drag link length being too long. But the previous owner was able to drive it without problems (I presume), with the problem only arising when you replaced the ball joint. Maybe your ball joint diameter is greater than standard, which pushed out the assembled length of the drank link? Was the replacement ball joint in an LR box, or perhaps a blue box?