I have noticed a strange problem, the first thing that wears out on any ranger I own is the steering drag link, all I would like to know is why? is it a design flaw? because I've noticed the ball joint/pitman arm connection always wears out first, is there a reason for this?:confused:

well all the weight of the vehicles steering system is put on that one ball-and-socket joint. Its the first thing that steering energy hits after the steering box. There coulds be a little flaw in the angle design. but other than that I wouldn't know.

i never have that problem i find ranger and explorers always need ball joints
remember the pitman arm is allowed to have a little play 1/4 inch is acceptable measured from the outside tip and that is a general rule of thumb