How To Measure For and Fit Your Tie Rod and Drag Link

Joe McCollough explains how to measure your tie rod and drag links before you order. It is the same process when measuring any tie rod kit and steering set up.

This process will work on any of our tie rods and drag links, as well as any tie rod and drag link kits.

Joe demonstrates measuring on his traditional Model A build, but it will also work on anything like traditional Ford steering with an F1 box or a Corvair box, cross steer with a Vega box, and others.

Joe also demonstrates how to cut and tap a drag link for rod ends if you need to cut down your drag link or tie rod to fit your build.

Tips:

• Measure eye-to-eye. Use center of hole to center of hole measurement to place an order.
• Keep your tape consistent. If the tape measure is on the backside of the first hole, measure to the backside of the second.
• Look for anything that could change the measurement. For example, is the car on blocks? Is it at ride height? Will you change anything between now and the finished project?
• When cutting and tapping, most people only have a right-hand tap. Cut the right-hand side down so you can re-tap and maintain consistent threading. If you cut the left side, you’ll ruin the link’s opposed threading, which allows for adjustment.
• On stainless (and even mild steel), a little anti-seize goes a long way to prevent future headaches.

Products featured in this video:

Plain Tie Rod/Drag Link Kit with 11/16 Tie Rod Ends
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Plain…

Chrome Tie Rod/Drag Link Kit with Stainless 11/16 Inch Tie Rod Ends
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chrome…

Chrome Tie Rod/Drag Link Kit with 5/8 Heim Rod Ends
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chrome…

Plain Tie Rod/Drag Link Kit with 5/8 Heim Rod Ends
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Plain…

Stainless Tie Rod/Drag Link Kit with 5/8 Heim Rod Ends, Custom Length
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Stainl…

Plain Tie Rod/Drag Link Kit with 11/16 Tie Rod Ends, Custom Length
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Plain…