VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 drag link on my 37

Hello!
There is a drag link on my 37 Master(GB), looking like a drag link from a 39 Master(JB).
But the number of the internal parts is different to what i found in part books.
The bodys on both sides have the same size and are identical equipped.
But i only find in part books an assembly like in the picture.
Mine is on both ends like the gear end. Two safety plugs an two springs.
Is this an aftermarket replacable drag link, a benefit for driveability or should i change to standard drag link?
I don´t know since when this drag link is on the car. It looks old and was full of old dried out grease.

Source:http://www.ecklerscorvette.com

Thanks!
Tino

While you have it apart clean and inspect parts 4 and 5 as well as the ball that sits between them in particular. If there is any wear repair kits are available from The Filling Station and possibley Chevs of The Fortys.

I doubt that both ends being the same would cause any problems.

Tony

The drawing does not apply to your car. The 37/38 Master steering connecting rod has the same on each end. On the open end there should be a screw plug, spring, safety plug, 2 ball seats with a ball in the middle then spring and lastly a safety plug in the closed end. Hope this helps.

The original 1937 GB draglink was replaced by a new and improved model. This new style came with the steering pitman arm. If you have the new style the forging number on the pitman arm will be 603402.

The picture in the 1937 engineering manual shows a spring on either side of the ball of the original style. Not sure what the replacement has but being like the 1939 design makes sense and I suspect that is what you have.

This site doesn't have the '37 manual but it sounds like the '37 is the same as the '38 which is in the link I'm posting. <CLICK>

The parts book ;lists a different drag link for a 1938 and it was (the original) also replaced with a new and improved verwsion in the lateer years. If replaced it will have a pitman arm with a 3650405 fprging number.
From what I understannd the original style had a short life and not a good design.

Another way to ID the later style it has a rubber seal (boot) on each end protecting the internals from dirt and keeping the greae in.

Thanks a lot!
The description and repair kit for 37 Car i found are like shown in the drawing from my first post. But nothing what is like what i have. So i thought my drag link is no original part/wrong.
It seems that i only found repair kits for Master Deluxe.

Another story:
The previous owner installed it backwards.
The gear end to the third member. So the bends were vertical aligned

Tino

"The original 1937 GB draglink was replaced by a new and improved model. This new style came with the steering pitman arm. If you have the new style the forging number on the pitman arm will be 603402."

Gene,
What did the 'new & improved' draglink do, as far as improving the steering ? What was the change in design ?
Thanks,
-Bob

37 Freak,

If you use improved tie rod ends ES29R & ES29L you can get rid of all those primitive parts (Items 1-7) and eliminate a big source of steering looseness. I used ES29R & ES29L on the drag link and tie rod on my '36 PU and the steering was (and remains) much improved.

Some will complain that the more modern tie rod ends are not "original" but I know from personal experience that show judges won't notice.

Bob, The change was made to improve the durability.
The redesign was the improved ends and pitman arm ball as used in the 1939 straight axle cars.
I wish I could find the service bulletin covering it.
The original 1937 style was discontinued 10-1-39.
The redesigned 1939 drag link is described as " greater durability" and "improved steering" due to the new "balanced type" of drag link.
"The connecting rod (drag link) is designed with sockets ends in line so the thrust is normal to the balls a safe guard against ant possible distoration of the ends. The sockets are strengthened by adding more metal around the ball slots.
The shape of the rod is made so it will be balanced when installed, thus eleminating any rotation around the balls to prevent excessive wear. Then is goes on to say is is improved by better lubrication at the ball and socket joint . and the balls are sealed a steel cover and oil resistant synthetic rubber, which lock around the socket.
The '38 had an improved version introduced later.

Just so you know the original 37-38 drag link was a non adjustable dog leg style link, number 594153 for MD and 594093 for Master. The modification in 39 changed the number to 603481 for the Master while the MD stayed the same



If memory serves the new replacement had an "S" shape to it but was still non adjustable.

Actuaaly no drag links were adjustable for length.

I have two NOS Master 85 S shaped drag links, the parts book lists them only for 39, are they the same as the improved 37-38 version?

They are for 1939 only. Just the design of the late style 1937 and 1938 is the same.

Many thanks, Gene !