[Brad Gyde]

Hey folks,

so today I spent a little time working on my 120, and I have decided that my steering needs some work..

All aspects of the steering/front axle seem to be quite loose. I would like to start with the tie rod and drag link. On one end of the drag link, it has a ball joint.. Simple enough, pretty cut and dry on the repair there, but the opposite end and tie rod are what I call "fishmouth and pin" setups.. The pins show a bit of wear, but even where it is still pretty good it is really loose in the holes.

What would be the best approach on making it tighter? Weld the holes up and bore em back out? Ream and bushing? Bigger pin?

I almost hate to make the pin holes any larger, as a couple of them don't have a whole lot of meat around em to begin with..

Thanks for suggestions in advance,

Brad

 

[Hydriv]

Would this work for you?

Obtain new pins and bushings, bore out existing holes to fit new bushings, carefully weld new bushings in place, grind everything flush and hope that you got enough weld penetration in a few spots to hold what's left in place.

As you know, welding up the holes and then trying to drill the weld isn't a fun job.

 

[Brad Gyde]

Bushing it may work, probably quite nicely.. That was kind of my original thought, well, no, the Lincoln lock-tite was my first idea.. but was wondering what others have done. (yes, I've welded up and re-drilled a time or 2, and it is a pain, most of the time.)

I'll start looking into some bushings this afternoon.. Probably be just as easy to get some bushing stock made..

Brad

 

[Hydriv]

The alternative would be to remove the two pieces of flat bar that make up the fish mouth, make two new ones and weld them in place.

 

[Brad Gyde]

Never thought of that.. That could be a better idea yet, the tie rod is kinda bent up, and has aftermarket holes.. (that the goofy hitch thing was hooked to..) Would require slightly more work, but nothing I couldn't handle.

Then, just have to bush the spindles.. and perhaps one end of the drag link.. Might be able to fix that in a similar manner.. I never looked real close at that end.

First stop will be the hardware store after a short time here to see what I can come up with for pins.. Maybe I can find something that would fit the sloppy holes snugly (but I am betting not.. The chances of it being worn "just enough" are slim :lol: )

Thanks again,

Brad