Steering drag link rehab

[junglefever]

Hello Pinz People.

I have a 710 in Central America and have had to replace the steering drag link a few times over the years because the tie rod end was too lose to pass the insanely strict annual safety inspections. Getting that long and heavy bar on a plane is a hassle at best, and a pain in the arse most other times. Here is my question. Why is one end of the drag link 's tie rod end swaged into the drag link... and the other end is removable. How much easier my life would be if I could just replace that tie rod end that is swaged. Has anyone ever refabbed that drag link so it can a take a threaded tie rod end on both ends? I can't see any reason why it would not fit and function just fine. Any ideas or comments?

[junglefever]

Anyone out there?
Thought for sure someone would have something to suggest or a comment regarding the steering dragline being swaged on one end. I don't have access to the truck while in USA to see if one end is swaged because of a clearance issue. Could someone check that for me at at least. Perhaps it is swaged because a lock nut would make contact with undercarriage?

Thanks

[Hugues]

I can take pictures of my 710M tomorrow, but you need to tell me which part exactly, ideally the part number on Puch.at exploded diagrams.

[junglefever]

Good Day Hugues,

Thanks for the reply.. found this Part No: 7101433310
Group No: 05-05-25
on the swissarmy website.

Hope that's enough detail. It's the steering drag link that has one removable tiered end and one that is not replaceable.

[Hugues]

Good, i'm learning about the steering in the process,

Here is a video of the part you mentioned:
https://youtu.be/PlIHldwhrTk?si=m43Fx30_mYlsnTDT

so parts # 2 to 9 in this diagram:
https://www.puch.at/en/products-&-spare ... ng-damper/

[junglefever]

Hello Hugues,

Yes the video link you shared is of the correct part. It does seem like there would be plenty of room for a lock nut if that drag link was to have a removable tie rod end. I think I may have to custom build something that will allow me to replace just the end when needed.

Thanks so much for your help.

[Hugues]

I also think there is enough room too,
maybe not a big collar as they have used on the other end, but something simpler to lock it in place.

[junglefever]

Yes.. I think so.. I will find some stock and get to work.
Thanks again for your help.

If you ever come to Costa Rica look me up. We can test that steering in some wild and remote places.

[junglefever]

In case anyone is following this thread or comes upon it I just wanted to share a little info regarding the swaged end of the drag link issue I was facing. I came up with a solution that worked really well. I took a thin cutoff wheel and sliced the drag link that was swaged (just like the other end with the threaded tie rod is sliced). I was then able to take out the swaged tie rod end and run a tap down the tube (while the tube was held gently in a vice to keep its shape) to accept a new tie rod end. Add a clamp to squeeze the slice closed and its good to go. Now I have a drag link that can accept tie rod ends on both ends. The only down side was I did not have a left hand threaded tap so both ends take a right hand threaded tie rod. The down side to this is adjusting that drag link while in the vehicle. It's critical you measure the exact distance from center to center of the tie rods BEFORE you remove the swaged end. Assemble making sure the drag link is the right length and there should be no reason to adjust the length of the dragline in situ.