Radius ball replacement

Stingray70

Stingray70

Senior Member
Hi guys. The only thing left to rebuild on the 30 Coupe is the steering and front axel. I am in the process of repairing the front radius rod because the ball is severely worn. It is just a nub, about 60% of what it should be.

I purchased a replacement ball from one of the good vendors. The installation instructions are terrible so was hoping to get some advice on how to install it from someone who has experience.

The instructions say to cut off the old ball leaving 1/4". The new ball has a slotted shaft on it. Am I supposed to cut it off? Or Grind the 1/4" bit to fit in the slot.

Just as importantly is how does one get the new ball aligned perfectly. The old ball is so far gone, I can't really make a jig...
 
Here is a screenshot of the new ball
 

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Stingray70 said:
Hi guys. The only thing left to rebuild on the 30 Coupe is the steering and front axel. I am in the process of repairing the front radius rod because the ball is severely worn. It is just a nub, about 60% of what it should be.

I purchased a replacement ball from one of the good vendors. The installation instructions are terrible so was hoping to get some advice on how to install it from someone who has experience.

The instructions say to cut off the old ball leaving 1/4". The new ball has a slotted shaft on it. Am I supposed to cut it off? Or Grind the 1/4" bit to fit in the slot.

Just as importantly is how does one get the new ball aligned perfectly. The old ball is so far gone, I can't really make a jig...
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You grind the stub you have left from the old ball to fit the slot. But it’s more than simply grinding to fit. You should get it as close as you can then assemble the front end and test fit with the engine, ****** and rear drive line in place to be sure the ball drops into place properly. If so, weld it up. If not, grind off your tack welds and try again…

There are enough usable wishbones out there that you’d probably be ahead to do some digging and get a good one. Even one with only partially worn ball plus the shims available from the vendor might be a lot easier.
 
There are enough usable wishbones out there that you’d probably be ahead to do some digging and get a good one. Even one with only partially worn ball plus the shims available from the vendor might be a lot easier.
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Price around here is $40-60 for a usable wishbone. Gentleman down in Lexington MA advertising FREE on various running gear components, but you're at his will on shipping. Unless you see him at Fitchburg, MA or Epping NH swap meet.

I paid $60 at Epping for a pair of rear radius rods for a friend.

You can do better just shopping the flea markets. A similar pair of rear radius rods I scored $20 for the pair.

And there is that complete front axle assembly with CAST IRON brake drums I scored for $50 on Craigslist. Not to gloat - anything beyond your immediate need merely occupies space and leaves room for critique by the wife - no matter how good the deal.

Joe K
 
Thanks guys. That is probably the way I should have gone but was curious to see if I could restore this one.

Here is another question:

After cutting off the old ball, we discovered the ball and shaft are HOLLOW, as is the neck of the wishbone. I thought those parts were forged? The ball was worn in places to less than 1/16" thick. I can't believe it hadn't broken off.
 
Curious to which of the two "wishbone variants" you're working on.

The early version is "C" shaped in cross section behind the ball.

The later version is "T" shaped in cross section behind the ball.

A seller on Ebay sells the later version segment for those who wish to undo "splitting the wishbone."

s-l500.jpg


Most consider the T version as "stronger" - but I'm not sure why except that Ford went this way later in production for a reason.

Joe K
 
If a person makes a flat sheet metal profile by cutting a 1.5" diameter hole in it, it can be used to weld up and reprofile the ball. Use steel or brass filler in the process and shape it with files or hand operated sanding equipment. It takes time but a lot of DIY guys have done it this way.
 
My method was to use a annular cutter in my mill to remove the ball and leave a spigot 3/4" in diameter. I then cut a 3/4 UNF thread onto the spigot. I purchased some 1 1/2" steel balls, drilled them and tapped a corresponding 3/4 UF thread. I screwed the new ball on, with loctite 262 thread locker. After that, I drilled a 1/8 hole down between the threads and installed a roll pin. I have posted pics of this here on the fordbarn years ago, but it might be so long ago, it might be on the old forum.
 
Similar to Rotorwrench I have often reshaped original balls after brazing or welding and then reshaping by hand with a file. It takes some trial and error but works.
 
It looks like I made a rookie mistake. I assumed since this wishbone came off a stock '31 Tudor that this was the late style part. Lesson learned, I should have looked at the judging standards to verify what I had before starting.

So is this an early 28 radius rod?
 

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Joe K, thanks for posting that picture. I had no idea that a replacement radius rod end forging is available or is it?
 
QUOTE=Bob Bidonde;2359672]Joe K, thanks for posting that picture. I had no idea that a replacement radius rod end forging is available or is it?[/QUOTE]

That is from an Ebay supplier. It seems to be a cut original - and singular. Described as "good looking ball." (One "watcher" as I write this.)

I would bring over the link (cut/paste) but the board software is fighting me on the direct link. Ebay search term below.

1928 1931 Model A Ford CUT WISHBONE END Original 1929 1930 Coupe Sedan Truck

Joe K
 
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Stingray70 said:
So is this an early 28 radius rod?
Click to expand...

My March '29 truck has this style. If I were to guess I would say the early version survived through 1929, and a change over (like so many Model A designs) after the 1930 model year.

Someone who is closer to the Model A Design Drawings might be able to confirm a change-over date. https://www.thehenryford.org/collec...-resources/popular-topics/ford-parts-drawings

Of five wishbones currently in my possession, two are the early design and three are the later.

And a swap out of a front end is easily done - and might carry with it the earlier design.

"Make it work..."

And this is why the engine that came with my March 29 Truck (Avatar) might retain the "red" Allstate engine (no number in the number pad.) There is a history here worth keeping - and a story to be told.

Before my purchase in the early 1970s, the truck had carried "sods" in the local Pelham, MA graveyard for 40 years. (Which is why the bed was found in particularly good shape.)

Joe K
 
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