Drag Link Tie Rod Replacement

PABowhunter · May 24, 2017

Going through my whole steering setup. Tie rods are shot at both ends of my drag link. Was just going to go with some Napa Premium tie rods, but figured I would double check on best quality.

Are the Napa Premium components okay? Should I be looking at Moogs or XRF? Or OEM?

F^3 Concrete · May 24, 2017

PABowhunter said:
Going through my whole steering setup. Tie rods are shot at both ends of my drag link. Was just going to go with some Napa Premium tie rods, but figured I would double check on best quality.

Are the Napa Premium components okay? Should I be looking at Moogs or XRF? Or OEM?

If you need them today, go ahead with the Napas. If available, I like the Moog greasables. They usually last about 250k with being greased around every 15k

79jasper · May 24, 2017

Personally I won't run moog.
Do you need it now, or have a bit of time?

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PABowhunter · May 24, 2017

I'm leaving on a trip in 2 weeks and would like it done by then.

I looked at the Napa premium tie rods today (with the blue dust cover). They seem well built, just not sure about the made in Taiwan part. I guess it's hard to find stuff made in the US anymore.

F^3 Concrete · May 24, 2017

79jasper said:
Personally I won't run moog.
Do you need it now, or have a bit of time?

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Just curious, why is that? I have one of my trucks that will need new ones within this year, so if there is a better product, I'd like to give it a try. What do you run?

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Zmann · May 24, 2017

i didn't like the moog tie rod ends for the actual tie rod on mine

they lacked some material so you couldn't use the OEM safety devices

the drag links are alright IMO and all are easy to replace but I did go with a PMF center for the drag link on my truck

I am buying spicer for the ball joint and axle u joint area even if I have to add my own zerk fittings

XRF is interesting but I can't quite sell myself on them based on the reviews

PABowhunter · May 25, 2017

Zmann said:
i didn't like the moog tie rod ends for the actual tie rod on mine

they lacked some material so you couldn't use the OEM safety devices

the drag links are alright IMO and all are easy to replace but I did go with a PMF center for the drag link on my truck

I am buying spicer for the ball joint and axle u joint area even if I have to add my own zerk fittings

XRF is interesting but I can't quite sell myself on them based on the reviews

Did you switch out the moogs? What year truck do you have? I don't think PMF makes anything for the 99-04 drag links. Unless I missed it on their website.

79jasper · May 25, 2017

I was likely going the pmf route.
Something like this. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/YLINK.html

Heard too many failures on the moog. Namely the balljoints.

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bordo380 · May 25, 2017

79jasper said:
I was likely going the pmf route.
Something like this. http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/YLINK.html

Heard too many failures on the moog. Namely the balljoints.

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I didn't know any better so I went with Moog. I read good stuff about them. If I had it to do over and had time AND money I would do Heim Joints.

Zmann · May 25, 2017

PABowhunter said:
Did you switch out the moogs? What year truck do you have? I don't think PMF makes anything for the 99-04 drag links. Unless I missed it on their website.

mine is an 06
i just did the Tierods and drag links so I still have the moog in there

but you can change them without jacking up the truck or even removing a wheel so if they act up they are gone
I won't put MooG in my Balljoint location those are just too hard to change

I thought PMF had a 03- Drag link but I couldn't find it either
I would be inclined to call him it sure is nice just changing out a short end vs the whole bar