Something seemingly straightforward ended up taking quite a bit of time. Tapping the 5/16-24 threads was a bear. Even with care I broke two taps. The first one fractured external to the torque link and was removable but nowt the second one! After ordering a new torque link I had the local maching shop do the threading for me. They explained that the welding of the piece workhardened the 4130 and made the tapping much more difficult. I also had to shorten the 3" diameter ends of the torue link to fit in the airframe bracket in order that the rod end is as level as possible as it attaches to the engine.
