Drag link recommendations

[jh86]

Anyone know good drag links for ‘86k10 stock? I have es2026’s that have failed after a few thousand miles.

I see acdelco has one for pitman arm, but I’m not finding a good one for steering arm side.

Thanks

 

[bucket]

A few thousand miles is a ridiculously short life for even the cheapest, crappiest drag link ends you could possibly buy.

Is the truck lifted a bunch with no steering correction? Did you forget to grease them?

 

[jh86]

A few thousand miles is a ridiculously short life for even the cheapest, crappiest drag link ends you could possibly buy.

Is the truck lifted a bunch with no steering correction? Did you forget to grease them?

Greased them, stock truck. Did all new steering, suspension, tires, etc at that time.

 

[75gmck25]

The 2026 part number is a very common part for 4WDsquarebodies. The one on my truck has been there for nearly 30 years, and I think it’s still in decent condition.

What exactly is failing?

 

[CalSgt]

I’ve had good luck with Moog for steering components on all my vehicles

 

[jh86]

The 2026 part number is a very common part for 4WDsquarebodies. The one on my truck has been there for nearly 30 years, and I think it’s still in decent condition.

What exactly is failing?

The ones before these were on the truck for 38 years. Maybe I need some NOS made in USA.

Pitman side ball joint is the worst. Which is actually the same worst one when I rebuilt it all 2 years ago.

Is there something that could make the pitman side ball joint go bad quickly?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I wouldn't be surprised. Had a moog drag link end fail not that early but way before it ever should have. Also have some play in a ball joint, less than 6000 miles. It's about the same after some good mileage after that.

I think, Moog is falling off i hate to say it. Unless there is some premium line from them. I saw a video a good while ago that they also changed to plastic inserts in their ball socket stuff, like the rest.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yep, Moog fell victim to the quality freefall from Covid-on like so many other parts companies.

 

[Bennyt]

I think Pro- Forged might be the best these days as every other brand has failed me.

In the last 6-12 mos, my sons S10 has had 1 lower ball joint, 1 upper ball joint, and a center link all failed. The torque spec is 46 ft pounds and they strip as low as 35 foot pounds. I thought maybe my son was overtightening so i double check with the torque wrench. One lower ball joint broke off as he was parking and the lca hit the ground, the centerlink just fell off the Pittman arm when backing up in driveway. No threads left and cotter pin sheared. Fortunately nothing came apart at speed. My son goes every other month to alignment shop to inspect just in case. He went the other day and they caught the upper ball joint coming apart.

Edit...my son installed the upper ball joint tonight. TTX brand from O'Reilly which is supposed to be a premium product. Came with 3/8" nut/ bolt and 1/4" lock washers.

I think I've also had success with mevotech

 

[Sad Sack]

Anyone know good drag links for ‘86k10 stock? I have es2026’s that have failed after a few thousand miles.

I see acdelco has one for pitman arm, but I’m not finding a good one for steering arm side.

Thanks

Check these guys:

TIE ROD END

1 Each, 1 Per Vehicle.Restores vehicle handling; Restores OE alignment; Reduces tire wear; Improves steering response

www.rareparts.com

Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Then there is:

Tie Rod Ends Archives

Get reliable Tie Rod Ends for an unbeatable price in 2-4 days. Designed to meet OEM specifications to perfectly fit your vehicle.

www.detroitaxle.com

When in stock.

10-year warranty offering.