Center link/Drag link

[workinmanfred]

Can someone explain to me the difference between a drag link and a center link. I thought that the center link was one long piece. Rockauto has a center link and a drag link listed. Do I need to buy them both? I'm confused now..can someone help? 1995 Crown Vic LX 4.6L

[Davescort97]

The long bar is the center link with both the inner tie rod ends on each side. The idler arm also known as the drag link is attatched to the frame on the right side and supports the center link on the right hand side.. The pitman arm on the steering box supports the center link on the left hand side.

[workinmanfred]

Thanks for the info. So if I replace the center link, do I have to replace the drag link? I had the pitman arm off recently to replace the power steering gear box and it looked ok, not much to go wrong with it I guess. Does the drag link have anything in it or on it that could fail or is it just like the pitman arm?

[Davescort97]

You can check the drag link for play to decide if you want to replace iit. Just grab onto it and try to move it up and down. If there is more than 1/2 inch play up and down you should replace it along with the center link. The drag link has a bushing in it that can wear out. Just try to move it up and down more than a 1/2 inch. If need be, replace it.

[workinmanfred]

Thanks man, that's a big help. I definately have alot of play in the drag link and center link. I'm currently collecting parts for a full replacement. Anything else I should check while I'm under there. I'm replacing inner and outer tie rods, center link, drag link. Do I need to replace the adjusting sleeves? I've heard these can be a bear to get off.

[Davescort97]

Let's see. Center link, inner and outer tie rod ends, idler arm (drag link). That pretty much covers everything that will affect your toe in and play in your steering. All that's really left is the ball joints and control arm bushings. You can check the ball joints by putting a jack under the lower control arm and lifting it up, then put a pry bar under the tire and try to lift it. Even there is any vertical movement replace the ball joints. The control arm bushings can be checked visually. If the bushing is cutting into the control arm replace it. What I mean by cutting into the control arm is that when the rubber in the bushings wears out the metal part of the bushing will rub against the control arm.
If it is, then the control arm is all right but will need a new bushing. The best way to do it is to take the control arm off and put it in a vise and drive the old bushing out with a hammer and chisel, then the new bushing can be driven in with a large socket. If you can get a ball joint that bolts in,you will have to, again put the control arm in a vise and cut the rivets holding the ball joint in with a chisel. Some only come with the ball joint alreadyh installed in the control arm. If this is the case you will just have to order the control arm. I don't know if the control arm would come with new bushings or not. You would have to check on that.
If you can get adjusting sleeves do that. If not, soak the old sleeves with penetrating oil before you try to take them off.

[way2old]

More than likely, the center link will be OK. All it is is a metal bar with holes drilled in it with a pin to attach to the idler arm. Unless it is bent, I would not worry with replacing it.