1931 Model A Ball Joints

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New2modelA

Junior Member
Hey Y'all!

I am restoring my first Model A, as my screen name might suggest? I took apart the suspension apart a while ago. I labeled everything & was thinking I would remember how everything goes back together...anyone else been there?

Anyways, I am needing help in assembling the tie rod ends & drag link cups & springs? A diagram or exploded view would be the ticket!

Thank you in advance!
Chris Kennedy
 
New2:
Welcome to the Ford Barn! Although I don't have anything to help your current situation, here's some good info from someone who's been in your shoes.
First, go to Bratton's Antique Auto parts website and click on the link to "Assembly Diagrams" (while they don't have one for the tie rod ends, the others are worth their weight in gold).
Second, order a catalog from Mac's, Mikes, Bratton's, Snyder's and Bert's. All of them have different exploded drawings/figures that are extremely helpful.
Third, when you can, pick up copies of "Model A Ford Mechanic's Handbook, Vol. I & II" and "The Complete Model A Ford Restoration Manual". There are other good ones, but these three are the ones I wish I had known about when I first started working on mine. They all have priceless photos and drawings (and information), especially the Restoration Manual.
Good luck! Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint!
 
Welcome to the club. If I remember right it goes spring, cup, ball, cup, screw thingy (the name escapes me at the moment). I am going to blame old age.

Mike
 
Jack Shaft said:
It's important to insure the balls are round.They oblong with wear.
Click to expand...

If you are restoring this car yo should certainly repair any out of round ball.
Also king pins and other parts.

As mentioned look at a instruction book. It will tell you step by step what to check. Do not paint and put together worn parts if you are restoring it.

Welcome to the Barn.


John
 
Over the years I have seen 3 techniques to salvage suspension ball joints; (1) Saw -off and weld on a new ball; (2) Machine the existing ball into a cylinder and fit plus weld a new ball with a hole in it onto the cylinder; (3) Cutoff the ball, drill a tapered hole in the arm and fit a new ball having a tapered cylindrical shank.
For (1), you need to very good life insurance because this method is structurally inadequate. There is a bending stress on the weld which is a poor practice. (2) and (3) are structurally sound methods of repair, but (2) is the strongest and will have superior fatigue life.
 
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