Left Rear Shock Ball Broken Off
 

Getting ready to buy a rebuilt set of shocks for my '29 Tudor and found a nasty surprise today while looking under the car. It seems the left rear shock ball is broken off above the spring perch. Is the shock ball attached to the spring perch or the axle housing on a May '29 car? Can a new ball be welded back on or does this mean I'll have to remove the axle housing or spring perch to make the repairs....not sure I'm up to this job and sure need some advice from some of you guys!

Re: Left Rear Shock Ball Broken Off
 

I think it can be replaced 'on the vehicle' albeit it will be very tight working conditions. There are two different studs made, -one straight shanked and one tapered. I would use the straight shanked stud, remove the brake housing (backing) plate and do the install that way with a drill and a welder.

Re: Left Rear Shock Ball Broken Off
 

Thanks, Brent. Snyders has a straight shank rear perch ball....they say to cut the old ball off and drill out with 9/16 bit...then weld. I'm assuming they have the perch off the car..?Otherwise, how would I drill from the backside with any hope of centering the hole on the old ball? Is it a terrible chore to remove the shackle from the spring...assume I would need a spring spreader to remove the tension from the two bolts, right? Wish I were closer to Tennessee so I could pay you a visit...:(

Re: Left Rear Shock Ball Broken Off
 

You don't need to remove the spring.Take the backing plate off,and the back side of that perch is looking at you.It is part of the axle housing.You may have to grind the rear of it where you want to drill.I think there is some sort of casting/forging.parting line there,and the drill will just walk all over looking for a spot to settle into.That doesn't need to be precision,just close.I've done a couple,they're not bad when the ball is snapped off.What is worse is when somebody cuts the whole ball and boss off to make room for a hydraulic brake setup.

Re: Left Rear Shock Ball Broken Off
 

Thanks, Keith....I will attempt to get the backing plate off asap and drill this ball out. Yeah, I can imagine the headache when the whole boss is cut off! Any advice on the backing plate itself? You and Brent have been a great help. I guess this busted off perch ball explains why the Tudor hasn't had any shocks since after the war....the Big One. My Grandpaw probably didn't want to mess with the job so he just yanked off all the shocks....sure would be nice if I knew where he put them!:D

Re: Left Rear Shock Ball Broken Off
 

I took a straight shank ball and made a slightly tapered hole. I heated the shank and beat it into submission, filling in the taper. Sort of like a rivet.