Center Link/Drag Link

Replace the center link and/or drag link in the steering linkage system to restore proper steering operation and eliminate excessive play or wear in the front end.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center link (relay rod) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent quality replacement
• Drag link × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent quality replacement
• Cotter pins (assorted) × 6 — 1/8 inch diameter
• Chassis grease × 1 — NLGI Grade 2

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Mark the steering wheel center position with tape for reference
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at crossmember
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels for better access
7. Spray all steering linkage castle nuts and tapers with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cotter pins from drag link ends
   Locate the drag link connecting the pitman arm to the passenger side steering arm. Straighten and remove the cotter pins from both castle nuts on the drag link ends using pliers. If cotter pins are corroded, cut them with diagonal cutters.
2. 2

   Disconnect drag link from pitman arm
   Using appropriate wrench size, loosen the castle nut on the pitman arm end of the drag link (driver side). Remove the nut but leave it threaded on a few turns. Position the pickle fork or ball joint separator between the pitman arm and drag link taper. Drive the separator in with a hammer until the taper releases. Remove the nut completely and lift the drag link off the pitman arm stud.
3. 3

   Disconnect drag link from steering arm
   Move to the passenger side steering arm connection. Loosen and remove the castle nut from the steering arm end of the drag link. Use the ball joint separator to break the taper free. Remove the drag link from the vehicle and set aside.
4. 4

   Remove cotter pins from center link
   Locate the center link (relay rod) that connects both tie rod ends and the drag link. Remove cotter pins from the castle nuts at both tie rod end connections and the idler arm connection. The center link on the Rebel Machine connects to the passenger side tie rod, driver side tie rod, and idler arm.
5. 5

   Disconnect tie rod ends from center link
   Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts on both tie rod end connections to the center link. Use the ball joint separator to break each taper free from the center link. Once separated, remove the nuts and note the orientation of the tie rod ends for reassembly.
6. 6

   Disconnect center link from idler arm
   Locate where the center link connects to the idler arm on the passenger side frame. Loosen the castle nut on the idler arm stud. Use the ball joint separator to break the taper connection. Remove the nut and lower the center link from the idler arm. Remove the center link from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Clean all taper surfaces and studs
   With components removed, use a wire brush to thoroughly clean all taper surfaces on the pitman arm, steering arm, tie rod ends, and idler arm. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect tapers for damage or excessive wear. Clean the stud threads on all connection points.
8. 8

   Install new center link to idler arm
   Position the new center link up to the idler arm stud on the passenger side frame. Ensure the stud seats fully into the taper of the center link. Install the castle nut and tighten firmly. Align the castle nut slots with the stud hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
9. 9

   Connect tie rod ends to new center link
   Lift the tie rod ends to their respective positions on the center link. Ensure studs are clean and seat fully into the tapers. Install castle nuts on both connections and tighten firmly. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and stud holes, bending the ends to secure. Verify both connections are tight.
10. 10

    Install new drag link to steering arm
    Position the new drag link with the passenger side end up to the steering arm. Seat the stud fully into the taper. Install the castle nut and tighten firmly. Align the castle nut and install a new cotter pin, bending the ends to secure.
11. 11

    Connect drag link to pitman arm
    Swing the driver side end of the drag link up to the pitman arm stud. Ensure the stud seats completely into the drag link taper. Install the castle nut and tighten firmly. Align the castle nut slots with the stud hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to lock in place.
12. 12

    Lubricate all grease fittings
    Using a grease gun filled with NLGI Grade 2 chassis grease, pump grease into all accessible fittings on the new center link and drag link until fresh grease appears at the seals. Also lubricate the tie rod ends and idler arm if they have grease fittings. Wipe away excess grease.
13. 13

    Inspect steering system operation
    With the vehicle still on jack stands, manually turn the steering wheel from lock to lock slowly. Observe all steering linkage connections for proper movement, binding, or looseness. Verify all castle nuts are tight and all cotter pins are properly installed and secured.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
3. Torque lug nuts to proper specification in a star pattern
4. Start engine and turn steering wheel lock to lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises
5. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response

Verification

• Check that all cotter pins are properly installed and bent at all steering linkage connections
• Verify no excessive play in the steering wheel when turning side to side
• Confirm steering returns to center smoothly after turning
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around steering gear area
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment as replacing these components will affect toe settings

More procedures for this vehicle