Drag Link Boot

Hello Gentlemen (and Ladies if there's any on here),

I am trying to replace the leather drag link boot on my 51 8n at the steering arm.

The Boot was shot and it appears it was molded inside as part of the drag link when made. There is no clip or ring that I can see that would allow me to pop it off and replace.

All the inexpensive replacement drag links are about 4 inches long and mine are about 9 inches. (that sounds like a personal problem LOL).

Any suggestions?

Look closer... it is replaceable
Order the new ones and it should become obvious to you once they are in your hands.





This post was edited by Smokeonthewater on 08/25/2021 at 07:46 pm.

They are replaceable and our hosts sell them.
But they do need to be seated correctly. I used two seal drivers.

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=617549&highlight=dust

You can also compromise a tool to press them on before I made a tool I used old bearing races, washers and such. I have used automotive rubber covers to replace them they work as well and less aggerating to install.

https://photos.yesterdaystractors.c...arameter=hobo,nc&w=pieces&cc=1&s=

https://photos.yesterdaystractors.c...arameter=hobo,nc&w=pieces&cc=0&s=

https://photos.yesterdaystractors.c...arameter=hobo,nc&w=pieces&cc=1&s=

The boot can be brought from Rare parts #27106 I have also see them at auto parts stores hanging on those parts trees with special help parts.

This post was edited by Hobo,NC on 08/26/2021 at 04:50 am.

(quoted from post at 20:00:36 08/25/21) They are replaceable and our hosts sell them.
But they do need to be seated correctly. I used two seal drivers.

Click to expand...

After your reply, now knowing fully they do come off, I was able to get it off with out much fanfare using a screwdriver to wedge between the cover and the shaft and then a larger one afterwards.

Will now explore options for getting the new ones back on.

Thank you!

Thank you for all the pictures, they were very helpful. I'm pretty certain I can rig up something to press them back on!

(quoted from post at 08:40:39 08/26/21)
Thank you for all the pictures, they were very helpful. I'm pretty certain I can rig up something to press them back on!

Click to expand...

All done. I used one 3/4 washer, two large sockets (7/8 to rest the top of the arm on and 3/4 to push down on the washer) and my press. They went on easy enough, but getting them all the way down was a pain. I had to carefully go around the edges with the press but they are on!

Thank you again!!

Yep, new repops like the original leather ones are made now but it matters where you buy from. I bought a set from an odd-ball supplier and the leather split out when I
started inserting grease. They also make rubber obes for less money. He also mentions the drag link tie rod ends. If he has the shorter 4 ones, that is for the 9N/2N.


Tim Daley(MI)

The OEM leather-type steering boots are just pressed on. New leather repops are available as well as plain rubber ones for less. Pry off old with a screwdriver or
chisel. New gets pressed on but use a socket that fits over the steel lip to fit in.The KR WILSON CO who made a lot of special Ford tools, had one that was for teh drag
link boots. The drag links are different from 9N/2N to 8N to NAA and each has a RH and a LH. You mean the tie rod drag ends on the front don't you? Know that there are
two styles -one for the early steering box, before s/n 216989 and one for the later steering box. They are p/n's 8N-3305A LH and 8N-3304-A RH. The late steering box
uses p/n's 8N-3305-B LH and 8N-3304-B RH which are longer. While you are at it, I suggest you get into your spindle arms and replace the bearings, bushings, and dust
seals, in those as well as the kingpin and bushing. May as well get into your front wheel hubs and repack the bearings, races, seals, and cotter pins. Note that there
are front and rear races and bearings on each side. Also, the steering box lube port on the early box is an NPT (pipe plug) and a hex bolt on the late box, both on the
RH side of column. Now, I modified my own plugs by drilling the centers out and threading in a Zerk fitting on the tops to fill the steering box easily. Someuse
00Corhead Garese and it works fine. Don't try pouring oil down the steering wheel center as you will end up with a mess. nnalert's sells the modified plugs now per my
suggestion. Hope this clarifies things for you. Be forewarned: getting into the steering will open a whole new can of worms.


Tim Daley(MI)

(quoted from post at 08:29:59 08/29/21) Yep, new repops like the original leather ones are made now but it matters where you buy from. I bought a set from an odd-ball supplier and the leather split out when I
started inserting grease. They also make rubber obes for less money. He also mentions the drag link tie rod ends. If he has the shorter 4 ones, that is for the 9N/2N.


Tim Daley(MI)

Click to expand...

I'm glad I was able to use the long drag links I had as the shorter one's would not have reached. I hope the leather doesn't pop! Fingers crossed. I'm pretty much doing a full restoration (don't know what I was thinking) so trying to keep everything as original as I can.

I buy almost all my items here on YT. Occasionally I need to reach out to another supplier when YT is out of stock, thus far haven't had too many issues, although I do have two pieces I need to call them about.