Drag link dilemma

[colojeepguy]

Trying to figure out a drag link for my Dana 30 swap, and I just noticed this. The connection for the drag link is not a tapered hole, it's straight through 5/8 inch!
What can I do with this?

 

[Jw60]

Use a tapered insert.

 

[ITLKSEZ]

Drill it out further and drop in a tapered insert

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/jk-9704rdlb-rockjock-tapered-knuckle-bushing-for-reversed-drag-link?

 

[dnb71R2]

This might be an option:

https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Joint-Tapered-Reamer-High-Speed/dp/B0BV1Q5CWG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?th=1

 

[colojeepguy]

This might be an option:

https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Joint-Tapered-Reamer-High-Speed/dp/B0BV1Q5CWG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?th=1

I thought of that, but by the time I reamed this out to be tapered again it would be huge. I'd like to keep stock type Jeep parts on this since it's not a hard core trail rtig.

 

[47v6]

If you’re going to real it out, go big… but that front hole is too big now for even one ton TRE

 

[dnb71R2]

I thought of that, but by the time I reamed this out to be tapered again it would be huge. I'd like to keep stock type Jeep parts on this since it's not a hard core trail rig.

Yeah, I just looked at my extra knuckle and the hole on yours is oversize. The tapered insert might be better.
Some sources say the D44 knuckles are interchangeable. I have NO experience with this info.

This D30 knuckle is NOT drilled for a caliper bracket.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166933672423

 

[duffer]

Or just use a "double" TRE like Chris shows but that obviously would require some tie rod/draglink length adjustments. The insert would appear to be the path of least resistance---

 

[dnb71R2]

This says disk brake, but I don't see typical caliper bracket holes. These must change from year to year.

https://www.ebay.com/p/21014130084

 

[45es]

Trying to figure out a drag link for my Dana 30 swap, and I just noticed this. The connection for the drag link is not a tapered hole, it's straight through 5/8 inch!
What can I do with this?
View attachment 106153

If reaming to next size larger TRE or using a tapered insert is not an option, you can resize the hole using the method old time hotrodders used. With an oxy-acteline torch, the correct size reamer and flux covered bronze brazing rod you can repair the hole. Braze the inner surface of the hole to reduce the size of the hole. Use the tapered reamer to reshape the hole to the correct size for your TRE. Reassemble the steering system.
I have used this method many times and it works just fine without issue.