Shortening a drag link??

[72longbed]

Before I do this I was wondering if anybody on here has ever had to cut a section of drag link to shorten the overall length? My two halves are run in all the way to touching each other, and I need to shorten the link another 1" or so to align the steering wheel properly.

Are these babies made of super hard steel that my sawzall blades wont cut or can it be done easily?

Thanks for your input.

72longbed

[special-K]

You have to do that with a 4" lift? I've always had to back the ends apart to get the steering box centered with the steering on the axle. Then,remove steering wheel and install so it sits right.

[72longbed]

Yep. Looked over the situation , and that seems to be what's limiting my adjustment to the steering wheel. It's a TRW draglink and I don't know if the parts counter kid gave me a "longer" than what I needed link, but that would give me what I needed if I shorten it.

Is it going to be a 'bear' to cut?

I have thin cutoff disks for my grinder also. Thinking I might be able to leave it in place and just cut off one side where the adjuster collar allows me into one shaft. Rotate the adjuster collar to finish the cut.

What'cha think?

[LONGHAIR]

Compare your old drag link to the new one first.
An inch sound like a lot of adjustment, it is usually only a few turns.

Personally, I wouldn't go cutting on the drag link unlees it was absolutely necessary....and even at that I would cut a little as possible equally from each side. You need to maintain maximum contact with the threads.

[special-K]

I would remove the ends and put in a vise. I'd take some off both sides.