What should I do about my drag link / steering linkage?

[mrblaine]

Best way is to hit the part with the hole (from the side), not the joint or the threads.
Definitely get a new trackbar. ZJ steering upgrade is a good idea too.

A good way, not the best way.

 

[LONGJP2]

A good way, not the best way.

Agreed, I'm far from knowing (or doing) the best of anything.

 

[astjp2]

Tell me about it

Nope, still stock trackbar. I am pretty sure the reason I started getting death wobble is because I did not torque some of the steering linkage back to spec (no torque wrench, just guessed) when I was replacing the pitman arm. That's why I was under there today trying to tighten the castle nuts that I had messed with the other day.

When you turn enough wrenches, the Jeep gods will give you a calibrated wrist and elbow, until then...

 

[Tob]

A good way, not the best way.

Care to enlighten us lowly hammer-wielding neanderthals with the best way? I’m all ears

 

[mrblaine]

Care to enlighten us lowly hammer-wielding neanderthals with the best way? I’m all ears

Very large center punch. Set it in the little divot on the end where the threads are. Good sharp smack with a 3 lb. shop hammer drives them right out with zero damage.

 

[LONGJP2]

Very large center punch. Set it in the little divot on the end where the threads are. Good sharp smack with a 3 lb. shop hammer drives them right out with zero damage.

Edit - Never mind, I forgot they mostly point threads up.

 

[astjp2]

Very large center punch. Set it in the little divot on the end where the threads are. Good sharp smack with a 3 lb. shop hammer drives them right out with zero damage.

That is usually when th punch knocks out the rod end, pinch goes all the way through and my left hand goes crunch and the blood begins flowing...along with the expletives and a trip to the hospital

 

[mrblaine]

That is usually when th punch knocks out the rod end, pinch goes all the way through and my left hand goes crunch and the blood begins flowing...along with the expletives and a trip to the hospital

Large center punch won't fit through the hole.

 

[astjp2]

Large center punch won't fit through the hole.

I still see bleeding in my future...

 

[Tob]

Amazon managed to deliver the Moog drag link in 2 days, on Christmas eve. I got it installed and I'm back on the road! Thanks for the input.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C59W7U/?tag=wranglerorg-20