TIE RODS AND DRAG LINK

b. The rod ends have right or left-hand threads and may be removed from the rod by loosening the locknut and unscrewing the rod end.

6-30. Cleaning.

6-31. Wash the rods in cleaning solvent, then blow dry with compressed air. Lubricate the rod end wear surfaces with multipurpose grease.

6-32. Inspection. (Refer to Table 6-1.)

6-33. Installation. (See Figures 6-7 and 6-11.)

6-27. TIE RODS. (See Figure 6-7.)

6-28. The two tie rods are connected between the center arm of the steering axle and the wheel spindles. The drag link rotates the axle center arm, and the tie rods rotate the spindles. The tie rod ends are adjustable to vary the rod length for wheel alignment. The tie rod end lube plugs may be removed for periodic lubrication or may be replaced with grease fittings for heavier applications.

6-29. Removal.

a. Remove the cotter pin and the castle nut for the tie rod. A special puller can be used to remove the tapered stud from spindle arm. Another method to loosen the tapered stud is to hit the spindle arm with a large hammer. Hold another hammer behind the spindle arm and hit the spindle arm near the side of the tapered stud. DO NOT hit the threads or the nut of the tie rod.

a. Position the rear wheels so that they are straight ahead (parallel with the truck center-line). Lock the axle center arm in position by inserting an alignment pin as shown in Figure 6-9.

b. Install the rod end with the left-hand threads on the center arm using the castellated nut and lock pin. This will place the lube plugs to the rear. Tighten the nut to 79 foot-pounds (107 N.m) torque dry before installing the pin.

c. Screw the tie rod onto the installed rod end, then screw the second rod end onto the opposite end of the tie rod.

Manual Steering System

NOTE Ensure that the two tie rod ends are evenly centered on the threads at eachend of the rod.

Adjust the tie rod length by turning the rod until the rod end can be installed into the wheel spindle without changing the position of the wheel. Secure the rod end in place with the castellated nut. Tighten the nut to 79 foofpounds (107 N.m) torque dry, then install the lock pin.

WARNING Ensure the alignment pin is removed before attempting to operate the truck.

6-34. DRAG LINK. (See Figure 6-10.) 6-35. Removal.

a. Remove steering axle as specified in paragraph 643.

NOTE The counterweight may be removed for easier for easier access.

b. Remove the cotter pin, then the castellated nut and washer from the pitman arm end of the drag link. Remove the rod end from the pitman arm.

6-36. Cleaning.

6-37. Clean all parts of the drag link with cleaning solvent and dry with compressed air.

6-38. Inspection. (Refer to Table 6-1.)

e. Install the opposite tie rod as previously described. Make sure that both wheels are straight ahead, parallel with each other and square with the axle. Adjust the tie rods as necessary to properly position the wheels. Tighten the rod locknuts.

f. After installation, check the rod ends for looseness. There should be no end play or vertical play in the tie rod ends. Remove the alignment pin from the axle and center arm.

6-39. Installation.

6-40. Install the drag link with the offset end toward the steering axle (see Figure 6-10). Position the steering axle under the rear of the truck and install the axle end of the drag link, then install the pitman arm end. Install the washers and 3/4-inch nuts. Tighten the nuts to the first alignment between 40 and 50 foot-pounds (55 and 68 N.m) torque. Install the steering axle as specified in paragraph 6-47. If removed, install the counterweight.

Steering Axle Assembly

6-41. DESCRIPTION. (See Figure 6-11.)

6-42. The steering axle supports the steering center arm and the two wheel spindles. It also provides a support for the rear of the truck. Rubber cushion mounts are installed on the axle support plate to provide isolation and axle articulation. The axle is held in place by two large capscrews that extend through two retaining plates and the rubber mounts into the truck frame, The retaining plates are attached to the truck frame below the axle