APEX CHASSIS Ford 11-16 and 17-22 Tie Rod and Drag Link Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- APEX CHASSIS
Table of Contents
APEX CHASSIS Ford 11-16 and 17-22 Tie Rod and Drag Link
Ford 11-16 and 17-22 Tie Rod and Drag Link Installation Instructions
These instructions will guide you through the installation of the tie rod and drag link assemblies for Ford vehicles manufactured between 2011-2016 and 2017-2022. Before beginning any work, ensure the vehicle is secured, and follow good safety practices.
Product Information
- TR parts belong to the tie rod assembly
- DL part numbers belong to the drag link assembly
- Ninja washers are included in the kit
- The passenger side of the tie rod tube will have a cut line toward the end of the rod
- The passenger tie rod end has notches in the jam nut and has an eye, not a ball stud
- The drag link assembly has a long ball stud on the passenger/knuckle side
- The jam nut on the passenger side of the drag link assembly is notched for left-hand threads
Product Usage Instructions
- Before removing your OEM tie rod and drag link assemblies, measure from the center of the ball studs on each side, and write these measurements down for later.
- Thread jam nuts all the way down the tie rod ends, install Ninja washers on the ends all the way down to the jam nuts.
- Starting with the tie rod connecting rod, locate the passenger side of the tie rod tube and find the passenger tie rod end that has notches in the jam nut and has an eye, not a ball stud. Coat the internal rod threads with an anti-seize product.
- Thread the tie rod ends into the adjusting rod, ensuring the correct thread direction. Thread until it reaches the jam nut. Wipe off any excess anti-seize.
- Continue with the driver’s side of the tie rod and repeat the above instructions.
- Adjust the ends equally to set the ball stud distance to the same as the OE measurements you took earlier.
- Now assemble the Drag link assembly, locate drag link connecting rod and ends, follow the instructions as you did with the tie rod assembly. The passenger side has a long ball stud and the jam nut is notched for left-hand threads.
- Remove OEM tie rod and drag link assemblies.
- Install drag link first with the drag link end on the passenger/knuckle side.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or email.
Thank you,
Team Apex
[email protected]
480-470-5500
Installation Instructions
Ford 11-16 and 17-22 Tie Rod and Drag Link Installation Instructions
Before beginning any work, ensure the vehicle is secured, and follow good
safety practices.
-
Before removing your OEM tie rod and drag link assemblies, measure from the center of the ball studs on each side, and write these measurements down for later.
-
All parts that begin with TR belong to the tie rod assembly all DL part numbers belong to the drag link assembly.
-
Locate the passenger and driver side tie rod ends and adjusting rod. The passenger side rod ends have notches in the jam nuts, indicating left-hand thread. The adjusting tube has a ring machined in one end next to the flats on the ends – this indicates left-hand threads.
-
Thread jam nuts all the way down the tie rod ends, install Ninja washers on the ends all the way down to the jam nuts.
-
Starting with the tie rod connecting rod, locate the passenger side of the tie rod tube, it will have a cut line toward the end of the rod, find the passenger tie rod end that has notches in the jam nut, and has an eye, not a ball stud. Coat the internal rod threads with an anti-seize product.
-
Thread the tie rod ends into the adjusting rod, ensuring the correct thread direction. Thread until it reaches the jam nut. Wipe off any excess anti-seize.
-
Continue with the driver’s side of the tie rod and repeat the above instructions.
-
Now adjust the ends equally to set the ball stud distance to the same as the OE measurements you took earlier.
-
Now assemble the Drag link assembly, locate drag link connecting rod and ends, follow the instructions as you did with the tie rod assembly. The passenger side has a long ball stud and the jam nut is notched for left-hand threads.
-
Remove OEM tie rod and drag link assemblies.
-
Install drag link first with the drag link end on the passenger/knuckle side
(pointing down through the knuckle) then the pitman arm side. Torque the pitman arm end castle nut to 75-82 ft lbs. Leave the jam nuts loose. After tie rod is installed (next) with toe specs set, rotate drag link connecting rod to center the steering wheel. -
Install the tie rod assembly. The passenger side tie rod attaches to the long ball stud on the drag link under the knuckle. Torque castle nuts to 63-67 ft. lbs. Leave jam nuts loose and use tape measure to set tow to factory specs.
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Tighten all the jam nuts on the tie rods and drag links, torque to 100 Ft. Lbs.
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Attach steering stabilizer to taper sleeve in the pitman arm end. This taper sleeve is reversible for various applications (follow instructions from steering stabilizer manufacturer).
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Be sure to test the steering lock-to-lock to check for any interference with wheels or other vehicle parts.
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At this point we highly recommend engaging a professional to get the alignment set.
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Once alignment is complete bend the square tabs of the Ninja washers over the hex on the adjusting tube and the pointed tabs over the jam nut to secure jam nut.
-
Monitor jam nuts regularly for tightness.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give us a call
or email.
Thank you,
Team Apex
[email protected]
480-470-5500