I had some fun at the machine shop today.

[SlugSlinger]

I made a 1”-16 jam nut from a 1” grade 8 bolt head. “They” don’t make a jam not for the tie rod end I’m using for my custom drag link.

https://rumble.com/vt3e0q-facing-a-jam-nut.html

 

[Profreedomokie]

Good idea. I usually use hex stock if I have any around.

 

[SlugSlinger]

And here’s the drag link I made. It replaces the factory Super Duty drag link I’ve been using on the JKU. The factory Ford drag link is just a little to short ( and weak) for my comfort.

This is a sold 1.5” cold rolled steel bar that I drilled and tapped on the lathe to fit OEM tie rod ends for ease of finding and replacing if needed later on.

The pitman arm side is a left handed 7/8”-18 thread and the steering arm side is the 1”-16 right hand thread.

And if I ever need to replace the parts, I’m listing them here for a future search:

MOOG ES2027L Drag Link
MOOG DS300008

 

[Snattlerake]

Saweeet! I really enjoy smart people doing smart things!

 

[SlugSlinger]

And installed, just needs some paint now. It took a while to finally get this project completed, almost . Started March 23, 2020.

https://www.okshooters.com/threads/new-project.289491/#post-3341219
I’d really like to figure something out for the tie-rod. Like raise it and use the top side of the steering arms, instead of below. But there are multiple limitations with raising it.

 

[Profreedomokie]

One thing I keep in mind when doing modifications on a vehicle is, If I make this part stronger will I make another part the weak link. Then if the new weak link breaks, will it take longer to repair it, will it cost more money to repair it, and is it harder to get to. Today another question is if the part is even available to buy. I'm not bad mouthing your work, just something I keep in mind.

 

[Timmy59]

Been quite sometime since I made chips but it was good times. Well done bro.

 

[El Pablo]

Geez I want that axel. I stopped at 33’s in my tj as I didn’t want to upgrade brakes, steering, axels, gearing…..

Fantastic job.

 

[SlugSlinger]

One thing I keep in mind when doing modifications on a vehicle is, If I make this part stronger will I make another part the weak link. Then if the new weak link breaks, will it take longer to repair it, will it cost more money to repair it, and is it harder to get to. Today another question is if the part is even available to buy. I'm not bad mouthing your work, just something I keep in mind.

Yeah, I’ve learned that the hard way and have found a lot of aftermarket performance parts look cool but most are not as reliable as oem. That’s why I try to stick with oem type parts now and one reason I didn’t go with heim joints instead of the tie rod ends for the wear parts.

I drive this Jeep to work, but it’s not my real driver. That’s a stock 2017 Duramax that I’ve added some stuff I’ve fabbed, like the rock soldiers/entry steps and a Warn 16.5 winch that will likely never be used.

The Jeep is a toy that I’ve tried to make bullet proof. I just like making stuff and over engineer everything. Steering is the last thing I want to fail.

 

[Jack Shootza 50]

I made a 1”-16 jam nut from a 1” grade 8 bolt head. “They” don’t make a jam not for the tie rod end I’m using for my custom drag link.

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https://rumble.com/vt3e0q-facing-a-jam-nut.html

I'm a retired machinist of 52 years and always enjoyed making custom stuff for my various projects, I've been building my own guns since 1985 and a multitude of car/truck/Jeep/motorcycle/gun parts and even some aircraft goodies for a buddy of mine and I still enjoy making stuff and will continue till they stuff me in the ground, it keeps the body and mind working better than sitting around........Keep making chips!