1978 Scottsdale Drag Link Question

[Kurnacopia]

Good Morning,
So I was looking at the old drag link from my Scottsdale yesterday and though to myself why use old tech for this draglink? Its ugly as hell and uses old ball joints. So my brain started to churn and I thought about using 3/4" Heim joints along with some safety inserts and some DOM tubing to make a new and modern drag link. The photos below kind of illustrate the parts I am thinking about. So here is my question to all you gearheads and engineers: Is there a reason why the Heim Joint idea is bad for a drag link for push pull steering. I know it will be tighter, but my steering has always been a sloppy mess and I want the best handling possible. I will have two steering stabilizers up front so I'm not worried about steering bump. Link will be about 15.5 inches long, sturdy as hell, and will be able to flex with the joints seen below.

So....thoughts?

 

[MarineOne]

Is there a reason you don't convert to crossover steering? That'd stiffen it right up

 

[bucket]

The ball-type joints will FAR outlast the heim joints. It's why modern vehicles still use ball type joints.

 

[Kurnacopia]

Is there a reason you don't convert to crossover steering? That'd stiffen it right up

I tried and was immediately told I needed a lift of 3" or higher. Mine is only 2"

 

[89GMCJimmy]

I used the Moog 2026R and 2027L with the ORD sleeve I have a 3 1/2" lift with drop pitman arm
the steering feels great. I also have Borgeson shaft in place of old rag joint

 

[89GMCJimmy]

What lift did you use?
Did you measure to see if its true 2" from tope of tube to bottom bumpstop bracket my TC was 3"
It took me a while to get the steering I wanted finally got it for push pull since under the 4" lift

 

[Mark80K15]

I just installed a 2" ORD lift and used their drag link (Factory Push/Pull Steering with Jam Nuts, SKU U9015-S4.75), the Moog drag link ends ES2026R and ES2027L, and their 2" Drop Pitman Arm (SKU CA50-I). I thought I'd add some pictures to show how the assembly went together, and the angle of the drag link at different steering positions. From what I've read, the drag link angle should match that of the leaf spring. I think that is generally true when the wheels are turned all the way to the left or are in the center, but not when turned all the way to the right. I'll post again once I've driven it and let you know the results.

 

[Mark80K15]

One more picture:

 

[Mark80K15]

Well, I've completed the wheel alignment and driven my truck @ 60 MPH and more. Steering seems real good. So I conclude that the drag link angle is just fine, which in my mind lays to rest the urban myth that the drag link must be horizontal.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

I’ve got an ORD 4” lift on my ‘78 K20, the drag link angle seems excessive to me, but this is without the cab & box on the chassis.
Hopefully the springs will settle somewhat…