Drag Link Suprise

[mad4hws]

So,
this weekend i did some pressure washing on the undercarriage of the Minion Missile. I hit the drag link a little too hard and the dust cover came off. I had noticed that it wasn't seated properly, but didn't really think too much about it. What do you guys think? Would you drive it like this? I swear there is nothing on this rig that I can trust. I wonder if i should look under the other dust cover? Ughhh. On the bright side, this weld gives me some hope. Even if I tried, I don't think I could make it look this ugly....

[Mattbob53]

I think I would fix it before I did any off roading. It could last forever but why take the chance


Matt

[RiverPatrol]

Well, I don't think it's going to come apart any time soon. The drag link was never a weak point, and this one has been strengthened. It might be pretty worn, no surprise.

[mad4hws]

Well, I don't think it's going to come apart any time soon

Thanks River. I needed a laugh today! this is an understatement.

[Coyote Patrol]

I have a couple spares if you need one.

[mad4hws]

I have a couple spares if you need one.

I would definately take you up on that! Did you get my private message from a few days ago? Interested in your skills for a few other projects on the Minion. No rush at all on my end.

[Coyote Patrol]

I have a couple spares if you need one.

I would definately take you up on that! Did you get my private message from a few days ago? Interested in your skills for a few other projects on the Minion. No rush at all on my end.

Sorry i didn't see this post till now. No i didn't receive a PM from you.

[moore_rb]

What do you guys think? Would you drive it like this?

No...

In fact, HELL NO.

The drag link is a cast piece - welding on it would take considerable preparation- The piece should be pre-heated, then either tig welded, or arc welded with the correct rod, and then slow cooled.

Now, do you think whoever boogered that weld on there did all that? Probably not.

I would definitely take Ron up on one of his spares before I would trust that monstrosity, because if it's going to break, it's going to break at exactly the wrong moment, leaving you without steering. Not good.

Somewhere in my 65 restoration thread, there is a part number I posted for a Toyota dust boot that fits the Patrol Drag link, with a little stretching and persuasion-

[mad4hws]

What do you guys think? Would you drive it like this?

No...

In fact, HELL NO.

Thanks Rob. It was somewhat of a rhetorical question. I do love your response though... in case there were ever any doubt! I have enlisted Ron's help on a number of things, including replacing this. This is one of long list of questionable repairs/mods done on this rig. One by one though, we are getting them addressed. Thanks to everyone on the forum for your help.