93xjrig

I am replacing the heims on my steering. They had 3/4 thread with 5/8 holes and grade 5 bolts. Can I drill out my knuckles to fit 3/4 grade 8s and up my heim to 3/4 3/4? Or will it weaken the knuckle too much by drilling it out an 1/8 of an inch. There looks to be plenty of meat there but figured I'd ask first. Also can anyone identify my drag link? Brand? Or what it's off of?

93xjrig

This is my drag link

xjfirefighter

Not sure about heims but i drilled my knuckles out to 3/4 for my 1 ton tre's

93xjrig

Ok cool what did u use to drill them out?

ktmracer419

i'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess a 3/4" drill bit.

Barrelmaker

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=XST maybe?

BNJeepsta

Actually I believe he used a light saber, but who knows.

93xjrig

You guys can be some real ***** holes. I was asking as in did he pull the knuckle off and put it in a drill press. Leave it on and use a drill gun or Wat thanks for the useless input though find something better to do with your time.

xjfirefighter

Yes, and don't cheap out at harbor freight either. Buy a good bit, go slow and use lots of cutting oil.

93xjrig

Looks closer than anything I've seen so far thanks man!! Guy I got it from had no idea but claimed to have done all the work himself.

BNJeepsta

Settle down Nancy, firefighter is correct, buy a good bit and take your time. Cutting oil and knowing how to properly sharpen a bit will make your life a ton easier. Also, drill a little and check to make sure you are drilling straight.

93xjrig

Good deal appreciate the useful input! But did u pull the knuckle off and use a press to make sure it was straight? Or hand drill do just fine?

Thekid320

If you are going to use 3/4" heim joints I would do what I did and drill and tap the knuckle for a 3/4" bolt that way your sheer strength is higher Nd the hole your drilling is actually smaller. I took mine to a local machine shop and it was cheap to have them drilled and tapped. So my bolt goes through the heim and the threads through the knuckle and then I backed it with a nylon lock nut but that's just my two cents In my opinion that's a lot stronger I think there are pictures of my steering setup on my build thread.

ktmracer419

You did ask "what" we used, not how we did it.

I've drilled with them on the axle. Just like any other time you use a large bit, slow speed and cutting oil.

xjfirefighter

I did it with them on the axle. But I like Thekid320's way. Definitely a lot stronger