[BlueMike2021]

HI everyone, my '58 plate Mk.7 just had a 'severely deteriorated' advisory on an ARB drop link rubber for the second year on the row and I thought I'd better take a look at sorting it.

Most guides online say that to change the drop links, you need a 5mm hex and a spanner- however, there is no hole for the hex on mine- I THINK they have another flat on the back and so you'd need two spanners to shift them- does this sound right? And does anyone know what size? And can I replace the one type with the other? Cheers!

 

[mondy zetecs]

Using two spanners is a lot better than having a hex hole,

Replacing Ford droplinks with another brand is fine so long its a decent brand.

 

[BlueMike2021]

Cheers, been having a better look all round and it's definitely the original links, needing what I think are 17mm spanners. They look pretty rusted from age but being Nylocs and not metal on metal, I'm hoping they'll shift...

 

[mondy zetecs]

Clean threads and wd40 should come off, otherwise cut them off.

If droplink is solid and only rubber boot has perished buy rubber boot

and place new boot over old one and superglue.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-TRACK-ROD-END-BALL-JOINT-RUBBER-DUST-BOOT-COVERS-GAITERS-2X/172830428828?hash=item283d7f0e9c:g:ZK4AAOSw6wdepICK

 

[BlueMike2021]

LOL, just looked again, I've got the hex kind on the near side and the two spanners kind on the offside! Offside is the one that needs doing, but is it better to do them as a pair..?

 

[mondy zetecs]

Too wet for me to check whats on my Fiesta,its your choice to change them in pairs

for balanced suspension or just the one.

 

[BlueMike2021]

Been at it today...no way on God's earth will I be able to shift that with just a pair of spanners...

 

[mondy zetecs]

Did you clean pre soak in easing oil and bit of heat otherwise its hacksaw time.

 

[BlueMike2021]

Yeah, plenty of repeated pre-soak. Haven't tried heat yet, but will.