Drag-link modification?

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Fri May 27, 11 1:56 pm

After a second, and third, and fourth etc etc... opinion on whether we'd be ok to grind a few mm off the top surface of the drag-link (if that's its proper name

), just where it passes under the sump?

Ours (on the Dodge) has always been right up close to the sump and appears to have been touching (poss just when the wheels are turned), and while it's off, we wondered if it would be ok to shave a bit off. Obviously with nice radiussed corners at the ends to reduce the stresses, but as it's about 25mm dia, surely a few mm wont harm?

Hoping to get it back on asap so we're ready for Booklands this Sunday, so would like to come to a decision either way asap, ta

latil · Post by **latil** » Fri May 27, 11 2:10 pm

Personally,I'd look to putting a dent or two in the sump before modifying a safety related component.

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Fri May 27, 11 2:14 pm

Voice of reason

Cheers Steve

Youre prob right, but if it had been made with a flat on top, I'm sure no one would be concerned...

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri May 27, 11 2:57 pm

Denting the sump would be my first thought.

But in fact the "drag link" (I can't remember the name of it either) is not really under much in the way of load so i would not worry about grinding it a little for clearance.

If it had to flex or twist at all (like an anti-roll bar for example) it would be a different matter.

steveo · Post by **steveo** » Fri May 27, 11 2:58 pm

nope don't grind it !! well i would not !
i always refured to it as a centre link

what oil pan on there just out of curiosity ? is it a oem type ?? can you see a number on it ?

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Fri May 27, 11 3:07 pm

Steve's absolutely right, clearance the sump rather than the drag link!

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri May 27, 11 3:11 pm

I have always clearanced the Sump.

However, Hausers did cut and shut my centre link to fit the hemi.....

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri May 27, 11 3:27 pm

The tie rods would break before you could stress the center link enough even if ground a few mm for clearance.

You guys really are paranoid.

ANTON · Post by **ANTON** » Fri May 27, 11 3:42 pm

The mount for the centre link is off centre so maybe it is upside down.
try turning it over and that me solve the problem.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Fri May 27, 11 6:21 pm

My first thought was why is it touching? Should be about 1/2" of clearance in the straight ahead position. Sagging rubber mounts? if not try loosening all the mounting bolts and jack the motor up a touch till it clears and then tighten them up in that position. I usually have to do that as the motor will often settle on the mounts a bit lopsided if you don't.

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Sat May 28, 11 8:20 am

It's a deeper-than-stock Moroso pan, and we have already fitted a couple of shims to the engine mounts (which were new 5 years ago) to create more clearance.

Struggled to remove one of the joints yesterday to fully remove the link so went with the oil-pan modification option.

We drew a line along the witness marks where it had been rubbing, laid a large dia trolley jack handle on it and carefully thumped it with a hide/copper mallet to give about 3-4 mm clearance.

Dunno why there was never more clearance to start with, so have just put up with till now

Gave it a quick rub down and a respray with the VHT Chrysler orange paint that was no good for the 440. Off to Stu's in a min - I'll see how good a match the colour is with the rest of the 426 (we're hoping it's a better match for the race hemi orange than the street hemi orange). Hope it's dried

Then it's just a case of refitting the pan, windage tray, gaskets, steering, trans lines, fuel pump, alternator......

steveo · Post by **steveo** » Sat May 28, 11 8:32 am

arr i think i know what one it is !! sounds like its a restickered OEM chrysler 971 oil pan think Moroso just buy them from chrysler or have bought the rights to make them !!

no ignore the above post , its not the one i was thinking of

like Blue said ! lot deeper at rear

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Sun May 29, 11 2:44 am

TBH, cant remember where it came from off the top of me head - Paul Knight got it for us when he was building the engine, so he may have got it thru Koffel's like most of his stuff.

Any road up, here's the offending article, complete with 'drag-link clearance'

....

Refitted. Colour's not perfect but it's all we've got for now

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sun May 29, 11 10:08 am

Ah, I see your problem now, that pan is much deeper on the rear section than a stock one.

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Mon May 30, 11 3:19 am

Yeah, good design eh?

Still, it's done now and we get less vibration up thru the steering wheel than before, now there's about 1/4" clearance. Still a load of vibration everywhere else, but that's another story.....