Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link - E150 - E450: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Replace the steering sector shaft arm drag link (3304) or tie rod end (3A131) if the following conditions are present:

Ball stud is excessively loose in the socket of the tie rod end.
Steering sector shaft arm drag link is bent.
Taper for the tie rod end is loose.

Replace the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal (3332) if any nicks, cuts or tears are present. Do not attempt to straighten a steering sector shaft arm drag link or tie rod end.

Remove the steering drag link castellated nuts.
1. Remove the cotter pins and discard.
2. Remove the castellated nuts.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Steering Drag Link Castellated Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the outer tie rod end from the RH steering knuckle. For additional information, refer to TIE ROD END - OUTER, E150 - E450 .
Remove the LH inner tie rod end from the steering sector shaft arm drag link. For additional information, refer to TIE ROD END - INNER .
Remove the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut.
1. Remove and discard the cotter pin.
2. Remove the nut.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link Castellated Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Pitman Arm Puller, separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.

Fig 3: Separating Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the tie rod adjusting sleeve (3281) from the drag link. Count the number of turns required to remove the tie rod adjusting sleeve.