tie rod end and drag link ends

[possum70]

I have the ProComp GDL40 drag link. The ends are shot and I need to replace the ends. However I cannot find the correct ends to match. I haven't found the part numbers anywhere on this site or the entire web. I realize it is the web and it may just be I cannot find them. Has anyone else used this part and know of an alternative part number? I would hate to have to buy the entire part. It's $163.

Are tie rod ends and drag link ends interchangeable?

possum

 

[kdo1958]

the ends look like factory tie rod ends, take one off and go to the parts store and see if they can match it up

 

[possum70]

They do look factory. Unfortunately they couldn't find them. Do you happen to know if tie rod ends and drag link ends have the same tapers?

 

[kdo1958]

Toll Free: (800) 776-0767
i would call pro comp

 

[possum70]

closed

 

[blazinzuk]

I have one of those. I could not find an end. Are both ends shot? One one mine is still good you can have it if you want. I ditched the setup

 

[possum70]

I just ordered some from a 84 Dodge W250. They looked very similar. I'll know Tuesday if they work.
What setup did you switch to, if I may ask? My previous 78 used a drop down pitman arm. This one bent the drag link.

possum

 

[Stomis]

No DRE and TRE do not have the same taper IIRC. The Drag link end should be larger. Also as a side note that seems like a terrible setup. The draglink ends have double balls in them for more angle. If that draglink is using tierod ends I bet it will max out if you ever actually drop the drivers side.

 

[possum70]

it does have the double ball set up.

 

[blazinzuk]

I just ordered some from a 84 Dodge W250. They looked very similar. I'll know Tuesday if they work.
What setup did you switch to, if I may ask? My previous 78 used a drop down pitman arm. This one bent the drag link.

possum

They don't work taper is wrong same ones I tried

 

[Stomis]

So thats basically a draglink end stuffed in a tierod end size "housing"? No wonder you cant find them.

Why not just buy a drop pitman arm and run and regular drag link?

 

[K85 Octane]

Why not just buy a drop pitman arm and run and regular drag link?

seriously and if you need more than that, raised axle steering arm. And if you need more than that, crossover.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

They are special and proprietary, you won't find a replacement other than directly from the manufacturer.

 

[Stomis]

They are special and proprietary, you won't find a replacement other than directly from the manufacturer.

In other words get rid of them because having a wear item on your truck you cant replace at the parts store is dumb.

 

[possum70]

Yeah. That's what I've been thinking. I have a 4 wheeling type store on my route tomorrow. If I can't find them I'll have a few choices. None of which I really like.
1. Buy a drop drag link like I have now. A new one is around $170. This'll get Moira moving.
2. Go drop Pitman arm. $50-75 or more.
3. Raised steering arm. I think I saw $115 on one site.
4. Crossover. I'm not sure of the total cost ($400-700+) but hey, it's what the dream is, right?

I just really want to get her going but her steering was getting dangerous. My son would be driving her to school but I won't put him in there until she drives right.

Her particulars in case anyone was wondering:
1978 K5
350/350/203
4" lift
33" Traxxus m/t
I don't know brand of lift or much else. But hey, $600 on Craigslist and she ran and in good shape other than wear items like all these ends.

I'll think of something.

possum

 

[K85 Octane]

$45 or close to that for a raised arm, I bought one long ago before I got my D60
If you don't need much, 2" drop pitman. If you need more than that, steering arm is good for 4" IIRC.
If you need 5" total, only do steering arm. You want the draglink slightly higher in front or level.

 

[blazinzuk]

So thats basically a draglink end stuffed in a tierod end size "housing"? No wonder you cant find them.

That's exactly what they are

 

[possum70]

Well, I broke down and bought another drop drag link. Last one I'll buy like that. If it wasn't the only vehicle I have to drive I would have waited. Now I guess I'll be junkyard jumping to find me some knuckles for crossover steering.

Man it makes me salty to think they sell a part that has components that wear out and they don't sell the components. Bad market strategy.

possum

 

[Blue85]

Do they look like this?

If having a custom wear item on your rig is bad, then using ORD crossover is bad. They are selling these custom "DLE in a TRE housing" units on both the draglink and the tie rod. It seems to me you only need 1 special joint in the system (at the pitman arm) and you could use all standard ends at the steering arm and on the tie rod.

(It looks like ORD has recently updated their page to explain what these DLEs really are. I remember complaining before because it wasn't very clear: http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm)

Anyway, if those would fit, $95/pair is less than $170 for the whole drag link.

 

[Stomis]

Do they look like this?

If having a custom wear item on your rig is bad, then using ORD crossover is bad. They are selling these custom "DLE in a TRE housing" units on both the draglink and the tie rod. It seems to me you only need 1 special joint in the system (at the pitman arm) and you could use all standard ends at the steering arm and on the tie rod.

(It looks like ORD has recently updated their page to explain what these DLEs really are. I remember complaining before because it wasn't very clear: http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm)

Anyway, if those would fit, $95/pair is less than $170 for the whole drag link.

I guess its relative to what is worth it to you. I for one had zero issue running a full factory draglink end on crossover with my old truck. I really see a custom part as unnecessary. Its one thing to make something improved that could be replaced with a lesser shelf version, its a different thing to completely redesign it so its not backwards compatible. So no I wouldnt run them.