Original 1970 Drag Link / Relay Rod

[David S.]

Hi All,

How do you tell an original 1970 drag link from a repro? I know it's supposed to be a five hole. What are the tell tell signs?

Thanks,
Dave

[Wayne M.]

Re: Original 1970 Drag Link / Relay Rod

Hi All,

How do you tell an original 1970 drag link from a repro? I know it's supposed to be a five hole. What are the tell tell signs? ....

Dave --- Are you sure about the 5-hole part ? Check out the "similar threads" at the bottom of the page (the one about 67 BB, drag link, Sept 2011). I thought that the 5-hole (3/4" dia. manual steering '63-68) became 3-hole (and a heavier 7/8" dia.) for the 69+ model years.

[David S.]

Re: Original 1970 Drag Link / Relay Rod

Hi Wayne,

I just re-read that thread. I understand it to be a 5 hole 7/8 diameter? Can any experts shed some light?

Thanks,
Dave

[Alan S.]

Re: Original 1970 Drag Link / Relay Rod

Hi David,
Not an 'expert', just a thought and an example.
Doesn't the number of 'holes' in the drag link/relay depend on whether the car is equipped with power steering or not?
The original relay rod on my 71, no p/s, has just 3 holes. One for the idler arm and 2 for the tie rods.
It's about 7/8" in diameter, but the forging isn't consistently round so it depends just where you measure as to what # you get.
Regards,
Alan

In the AIM the number for the relay & tie rod assembly is 3952701. How does that compare to your 70 AIM's information.
The p/s assembly relay/tie rod assembly for N40 is listed as 3952703. It shows an additional hole for the cylinder assembly connection.

[David S.]

Re: Original 1970 Drag Link / Relay Rod

Hi Alan,

I should have said, this is for a manual steering car. My car currently has power, but it is not original.

Thanks,
dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Original 1970 Drag Link / Relay Rod

Hi Alan,

I should have said, this is for a manual steering car. My car currently has power, but it is not original.

Thanks,
dave

Dave------


I could be wrong, but I don't think the manual steering relay rod is reproduced. If that's correct then any you find should be original.

The 63-68 rods were 3/4" OD and the 69-82 were 7/8" OD. This was regardless of whether it was manual or power steering realy rod.

The 69-76 3/4" manual steering relay rod was also used as SERVICE for 63-68. However, there are no provisions for a steering shock absorber. Curiously, there MAY have existed a 3/4" relay rod which did have provisions for the steering shock absorber. If it existed, it was a SERVICE-only piece and never used in PRODUCTION. I've never been able to confirm this, though.