89' ranger drag link

[forgey4x4]

Replaced all tie rods and drag link on my 89 ranger a couple of weeks ago and finnally got it in to be alligned and have caster chamber angle fixed. Well the alignment shop called and said the toe could not be alligned because the tie rod was too long. So I took it home and did some investigating and found out the tie rod was fine, it was the drag link that was too long. Well it ended up being that my 1989 ford ranger has to have a 1988 drag link. Kinda weird wonder if tie rods are same for 88 and 89 or am I going to have problems with them also.

 

[adsm08]

I too have noticed this phenomenon. My steering links are a mish-mash of years from 87 to 95, and I don't actually know which parts are which. My toe is in spec, but just barely. My RH outer is actually touching the center link.

 

[forgey4x4]

Must have something to do with different steering knuckles