drag link removal

[Deleted User]

Since I'm in the process of replacing my rear main seal (52 hornet), I would like to know how to remove the drag link either from the pitman arm or the center bearing. It has a large screw at the end, so do I undo this screw and the link can be taken out? I do not want to wreck anything and the manual is not very descriptive or I just don't understand. Thanks for any and all advice.:)

[Deleted User]

There is a special socket you can use just for this purpose. Put the flat tip screwdriver type socket(drag link socket) on the slot after removing the cotter pin and begin unscrewing this plug. It should come out and have some washers and a thick spring . The last piece is a semi concave type piece that goes next to the pitman arm ball either at the center steering arm or the end of the pitman steering link. . It should come right off . Just remember to put everything back the same way it came out. Check your shop manual for the correct hardware lineup.Good luck.

Park_W

And putting everything back the way it was includes screwing in the threaded plug until it's flush with the end of the drag link. This puts the proper tension on the inner spring.

MikeWA

And when unscrewing anything with a spring behind it, always put a rag around everything as you get close to the end of the threads- so you can catch all the little stuff that comes flying out.

I work on old tractors, and I now get a manual for each one I work on, for that very reason. Was taking out a bolt that looked like all the other bolts holding a transmission cover on- Only to find out, the hard way, that it held a check ball and spring. Everything went flying, I found the bolt and spring, but had to come up with another check ball, which was not easy on that old rig.