65 F100 is down to 3700 but will be around 3200 or lower when finished What size, thickness and such tubing would be appropriate strength wise ?? Street driven ... complete assembly is solid and very heavy The passenger side will be adjustable as the drivers side so as to center the steering box Ricky.
Most tie rods are .156 wall x 7/8" DOM. If you are using the standard Ford style tie rod ends. This can be tapped for 11/16" rod ends without reaming. If you are using the ;later Ford pickup ends you will need >156 x 1" DOM.
I make my tierods out of 1.25" .125" wall tubing. But they're for 5/8" weld bungs and since solid axles use long tierods I don't want any flexing that can cause the dreaded death wobble. I build my drag links from the same tubing.
I don't know the specs but just remember the drag link sees more load that the tie rod. So, I'd recommend using bigger and or thicker than that used for tie rods. I'm considering the same thing on my 56 Dodge pickup if/when the drag link ends wear to the point of causing loosened steering. Or, if I need some adjustment in the process of putting a Toyota power steering in place of the original. The link is one piece forged so no 'ends' to replace and the whole thing is expensive and hard to find.
Weigh up what you have there in the picture. Then calculate the weight of all the component parts you plan to use to see it it is worth the effort.
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