'60 3rd Arm Drag Link Clearance

[Bruce F.]

In the process of restoring my '60. When dismantleing the front suspension, I noticed the front section of the original drag link threaded stud was bent. I assumed that this was not correct, and replaced the piece with a straight one. Upon reassembly (please note that this car did not have the lower fan shroud assembly when I purchased it), I now have a clearance problem with the front of the drag link and the bottom of the fan shroud. Spent time and took many measurements investigating all the usual problems. This is a real brain twister for me. I went and compared measurements with two other 60's (both have been restored & are in excellent shape). I noticed that one car had the front portion of the drag link bent, and the other was straight.

I guess my question would be, does anyone know if it was common practice for assemblers to perhaps bend this particular piece a bit to make up for inconsistencies, or were there any changes/modifications from the factory thru the different early model years to the drag link or third arm?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Jerry W.]

Re: '60 3rd Arm Drag Link Clearance

There was a similar post earilier this year and the cause was the tapered shim betwwen the front cross member and the frame was reversed. The thin portion of the shim should face the rear of the car. Might be worth a quick check.

[Bruce F.]

Re: '60 3rd Arm Drag Link Clearance

There was a similar post earilier this year and the cause was the tapered shim betwwen the front cross member and the frame was reversed. The thin portion of the shim should face the rear of the car. Might be worth a quick check.

Hi Jerry, just read the post you're referring to. I have confirmed the shims are installed properly, both casting numbers are correct and the front cross member is correct.

[Jerry W.]

Re: '60 3rd Arm Drag Link Clearance

My original post was in error....the thick portion on the shim goes to the rear....sorry again.

[Bruce F.]

Re: '60 3rd Arm Drag Link Clearance

Right. The shims are correctly positioned.

[Bill M.]

Re: '60 3rd Arm Drag Link Clearance

In the process of restoring my '60. When dismantleing the front suspension, I noticed the front section of the original drag link threaded stud was bent. I assumed that this was not correct, and replaced the piece with a straight one. Upon reassembly (please note that this car did not have the lower fan shroud assembly when I purchased it), I now have a clearance problem with the front of the drag link and the bottom of the fan shroud. Spent time and took many measurements investigating all the usual problems. This is a real brain twister for me. I went and compared measurements with two other 60's (both have been restored & are in excellent shape). I noticed that one car had the front portion of the drag link bent, and the other was straight.

I guess my question would be, does anyone know if it was common practice for assemblers to perhaps bend this particular piece a bit to make up for inconsistencies, or were there any changes/modifications from the factory thru the different early model years to the drag link or third arm?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

My '72 parts book lists the drag link as having the same parts for all years, '53-'62. My original '59 drag link is not bent, so I don't think they were bent by design.

I hope St. Louis didn't bend a steering part!