Asphalt drag links

Len Cockman · 12/4/19, 10:05 AM

We run dirt but are fans of the Little 500. While at last years race I noticed that at least some of the cars had the drag link on the right side. Is this an asphalt thing?

Tony74 · 12/4/19, 11:06 AM

All pavement built cars will have right hand steering to help reduce flex in the tie rod. Just due to the higher steering loads.

HDbill · 12/4/19, 1:00 PM

and , typically, dirt cars spend a lot of time with the wheels turned right and could touch a right side link that would cause a spin-out. Pavement cars spend almost no time turned to the right so the drag link on the right side has less risk compared to one on the left.

TQ29m · 12/4/19, 6:05 PM

Being an old timer, I always heard it was because that's the way it was mounted on the old car that gave it up, LH Steer, then along came the thought, and frequent occurrence, you hit something with the left front, bend, break a radius rod, drag link, chances are good you'll still have control, LH steer, and might earn a few bucks. I'm glad you put it to rest Tony.

Rich Mersereau · 12/4/19, 7:48 PM

Think of it as a string. You want to pull it more than push it. Asphalt cars turn left. Dirt cars turn right. Mostly.

Len Cockman · 12/5/19, 8:10 AM

Thanks guys this was very helpful.

12/4/19, 10:05 AM	#1 Asphalt drag links
Len Cockman Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 40	We run dirt but are fans of the Little 500. While at last years race I noticed that at least some of the cars had the drag link on the right side. Is this an asphalt thing? __________________ Len Cockman, South Bend, Indiana "We've done so much with so little for so long that now we can do almost anything with almost nothing."

12/4/19, 6:05 PM	#4 Re: Asphalt drag links
TQ29m Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6,558	Being an old timer, I always heard it was because that's the way it was mounted on the old car that gave it up, LH Steer, then along came the thought, and frequent occurrence, you hit something with the left front, bend, break a radius rod, drag link, chances are good you'll still have control, LH steer, and might earn a few bucks. I'm glad you put it to rest Tony. __________________ "Being old, isn't half as much fun, as getting there"! Ole Robert I!

12/5/19, 8:10 AM	#6
Len Cockman Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 40	Thanks guys this was very helpful. __________________ Len Cockman, South Bend, Indiana "We've done so much with so little for so long that now we can do almost anything with almost nothing."