Radius rod ball kit
 

For my 1928 Ford Model A roadster. I am looking at getting the radius rod ball kit. Is it worth getting or should I replace the radius rod ball with the metal one. Would like the pro's and con's on this.

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

Which kit? The shim or the rubber cover?

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

I don't like the slack that the stock/rubber type setup has. I use a Kenworth truck tie rod end.

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

It's the radius ball kit from Snyders with the neoprene ball

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

And what do you have now? An existing neoprene ball or just an original ball that's worn?

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

For the cost of the "kit" it is worth the expense to see if it takes care of the issue or at least buys you some time until you can do a full "Metal" ball replacement.

I installed one of the rubber ball "kits" on my 1930 Coupe and it tighten up nicely to the point I got a spare to replace it once this one starts to show wear.



There are many that say no but it worked for me until I can replace the worn ball or they stop making the rubber "kit":D

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

I was told the rubber kit works pretty well. I am sure it will outlast me, considering my car is 18 years older than me.

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

How does that connect to the flywheel housing?

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

I have the rubber ball on all my Model A cars with o problems. If Ford used it as standard equipment on the early V8s, why not the model a. Metal to metal seems wrong to me. JMHO.

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

No connection to the flywheel housing. Here is a larger pic.
The car has a flathead B engine with 4 port intake.

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

Th rubber ball deteriorates from oil in Model A. Works fine in V8 since there is no oil.
Probably change it often as they tend to soften and crumble.


John

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

Ah so, thanks Pete

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

Never use the rubber ball in the cast iron housings. The ball allows too much movement, deteriorates with time, and the cast iron caps often break when you hit a bump. Use the steel Ford style caps with the springs .

Re: Radius rod ball kit
 

I had a rubber ball completely deteriorate and fall out. The previous owner got the begeezuz scared out of her when it did the death wobble. There was no reason to use the rubber as the ball was not worn significantly. On SteveB31's suggestion, I went back to the original style and greased the ball. Two of my cars will get the original style, I haven't checked the third.