Linkage, Link And Coil - Description

DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: If any steering components are replaced or serviced an alignment must be performed.

NOTE: To avoid damaging ball stud seals, use an appropriate puller to remove tie rod ends.

Some late build 4500/5500 vehicles have a new design steering system. The primary difference is that the drag link is connected directly to the knuckle. The 2500/3500, cab chassis, and early build 4500/5500 steering linkage is unchanged from the previous model year with the drag link attached to the RH tie rod. Both designs are shown below.

DRAG LINK TO TIE ROD SYSTEM





The 2500/3500, cab chassis, and early build 4500/5500 steering linkage is unchanged from the previous model year and is comprised of a tie rod end (1), tie rod (2), pitman arm (3), drag link (4), and steering damper (5). The drag link is connected between the pitman arm (3) and the tie rod (2).

DRAG LINK TO KNUCKLE SYSTEM





The late build 4500/5500 steering linkage is a new design but still comprised of a tie rod end (3), tie rod (4), pitman arm (2), drag link (1), and steering damper (5). The new design has the drag link (1) connected between the pitman arm (2) and the knuckle.





The RH tie rod (4) contains a ball stud (1) that extends through the knuckle (5) and the outer end of the drag link (3) with a castle nut (2) on top of the drag link (3). The tie rod ball stud is tapered to match with the knuckle, and the drag link end has a sleeve that is also tapered and extends into the knuckle.