drag link adjustment question

[bobyepsr]

My drag link had a lot of slop in the steering gear end. I disassembled everything and cleaned the parts. The spring on that end came out in three pieces. Using a spring from a parts truck I reassembled everything. My question is how much to tighten the plug against the spring? Do I run it in tight and then back it off a certain amount, or what?
Thanks Jim

[Gordon Maney]

Turn it in until it bottoms out, then back off until the cotter pin fits. Least play, but no preload, so to speak.

[texcwa]

Need clarification on install

Found this older thread during my search. I will be installing a new (used from VPW) Drag Link since my old one was worn at the key-way. It was mentioned to tighten until it bottoms out then back off till cotter pin fits. My question is should I tighten and compress springs to the stop then back off? or tighten until firm contact with spring then back-off? Sure don't want to loose my steering while driving down the road.

[Kaegi]

compress the spring till it stops then back off