[Richard]

I used three different names for the same thing since I learned that different industries and shops call the same thing three different names. It is the rod that runs parallel to the drive axle, and it’s purpose is to keep the drive axle centered in the frame. After all air bags are somewhat mushy. 

Mine was worn out, so Covid madness finally spurred me to replace it. Getting it out is not for the meek. Big torch and bigger hammer to get the tapered fitting to unstick. You can’t really tell how sloppy the ball joint is from the photo, but it has about 1/4 inch play in it. 

The impact of wear in this part is that it would allow the back end to wiggle a bit, now that’s normally a good thing  , but anytime the back shifts, the driver must compensate for that movement. It will be a couple of weeks before I can drive it to see if I can detect an improvement. 

Anyway, the replacement part is Meritor Kit 5116. You can find alternates on the net. Keep in mind the original and the replacement are welded together to form one non adjustable rod. I am posting because it took me almost a week to identify and find this part. 



Here are some pics.