Does drag link affect alignment?
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Rock Crawling
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 269
Likes: 62
From: California
Does drag link affect alignment?
I went to the alignment shop and they said the alignment was good, but I need a new drag link since the ball joints have play. They said that I would need to get an alignment after.
Do I really need to get an alignment after? From what I understand the only thing replacing the drag link may do is make the steering wheel crooked with no affect on tire wear or drivability. If this is the case, it is something I could easily correct myself, right?
Do I really need to get an alignment after? From what I understand the only thing replacing the drag link may do is make the steering wheel crooked with no affect on tire wear or drivability. If this is the case, it is something I could easily correct myself, right?
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 300
From: StL, MO
yes, you will likely need an alignment. take a look at the rave schematic of the steering components. the drag link connects one wheel to the drop arm of the steering box. unless the length of your new drag link is dead nuts the same as your old one, you will need an alignment.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 230
Likes: 111
I think this is best resolved by correctly stating that there are two alignment procedures: Wheel alignment and steering alignment.
OP, you are correct that changing the drag link should have little to no affect on wheel alignment. But jastutte is correct that it will change the steering alignment and that should be corrected.
OP, you are correct that changing the drag link should have little to no affect on wheel alignment. But jastutte is correct that it will change the steering alignment and that should be corrected.
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 300
From: StL, MO
I think this is best resolved by correctly stating that there are two alignment procedures: Wheel alignment and steering alignment.
OP, you are correct that changing the drag link should have little to no affect on wheel alignment. But jastutte is correct that it will change the steering alignment and that should be corrected.
OP, you are correct that changing the drag link should have little to no affect on wheel alignment. But jastutte is correct that it will change the steering alignment and that should be corrected.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 230
Likes: 111
I have zero experience at this. So I am not the guy to respond. But I don't see why you couldn't DIY this. I would assume you need to park on flat, level ground, get the tires centered, then adjust the drag link length until the steering wheel is centered. Test and repeat if needed.
Back in the day you could get your alignment checked for free at Sears. Not sure if there is an option like this today or not. I would watch the tires closely for a couple K miles to ensure you don't have any gremlins as a result of your change.
I have done my best to invoke Cunningham's law - If I am wrong someone will be along to tell us!
Back in the day you could get your alignment checked for free at Sears. Not sure if there is an option like this today or not. I would watch the tires closely for a couple K miles to ensure you don't have any gremlins as a result of your change.
I have done my best to invoke Cunningham's law - If I am wrong someone will be along to tell us!
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