What can you tell me about these pictures? (Radius Arm Ball)

[Curly]

I was under my truck the other day greasing it when I noticed one of the two bolts on the radius arm ball was loose. After I tightened it up (about 1X16 of an inch) I got thinking that I needed to learn more about the radius arm and this ball connection. Yesterday I spent some time on the Ford Barn reading old posts and recommendations. Given what I have read I’m thinking my car has the rubber ball conversion. Can this be determined by looking at these pictures or do I need to open it up? I don’t think this cap should be locked together like it is… am I wrong? Any advice on this would be helpful. By the way, I have not driven it since tightening the bolt, but there were no sounds or clattering before.

[Farrell In Vancouver]

Curly, your radius arm ball clamp looks like an adapter to a non-stock transmission. It does indeed look like the the cast clamp for the rubber ball type but I cannot be sure. It will do no harm to unbolt it and take a peek inside to check it's status, but then again, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind.

[Curly]

Originally Posted by Farrell In Vancouver

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind.

I agree. I just dont want to do damage from tightening it.

I should have mentioned it has a 39 Ford transmission.

[Curly]

Originally Posted by Farrell In Vancouver

It will do no harm to unbolt it and take a peek inside to check it's status.

If I pull the two bolts will the ball drop down enough for me to check its condition? I don't want to get in over my head but if its an easy check this might be a good idea.

[Bob C]

I also agree that it is the rubber ball type.

Bob

[oldbike99]

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It is the rubber ball type and the caps are supposed to be touching just like that.

[Joe K]

Of course if you wanted to remove the cap and slip the rubber ball off and give it a good coating of LP2 grease inside and out - who would we be to argue?

And knowing what I know about the poor rubber used for a long period on these balls, you might be doing yourself and your A a favor to determine the current condition. The rubber is cheap compared to replacing a worn wishbone ball.

But see how this works? Information begets wanting to know MORE.

Like an information addict...

Just....one....more....fix.

Joe K

[Curly]

Originally Posted by Joe K

Of course if you wanted to remove the cap and slip the rubber ball off and give it a good coating of LP2 grease inside and out - who would we be to argue?

I will do this. How far down will the ball drop down out of the socket? Does the ball twist on or just pop on.

Originally Posted by Joe K

Information begets wanting to know MORE.

Like an information addict...

Just....one....more....fix.

No truer words have been spoken.

Thank you all for the help. I feel better knowing the bolts are supose to be tight, I was thinking this meant I had a worn out ball.

[oldbike99]

The rubber ball just pushes on over the original ball. The radius rod dropped perhaps 1/2 inch when I replaced mine. No real pressure on it.
Paul

[jimvette59]

Hi looking at your setup I would replace those bolts with hardened bolts with cotter pins and slotted nuts. There is nothing to stop them from loosening up again. JMHO.

[oldbike99]

The double nuts would keep them fron loosening, wouldn't they?

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by oldbike99

The double nuts would keep them fron loosening, wouldn't they?

Yes. The original bolts (through to the bell housing interior on the Model A) were likely nothing particularly special. Good steel certainly, but not equal to today's Grade 8 steel. I'd give them a grade 5 equivalency.

And failure is not FAILURE for this. You'll certainly put a strain on your springs and shackles and frame should the radius rod come unglued, but you'll likely know it immediately and get the car safely to the side of the road.

Heh. You'll probably know it first by the BANG-BANG-BANG rapping on the underside of your bell-housing.

Joe K

[loowiloowi]

This is the replacement rubber radius ball cover style and the brackets it is attached to is the adapter used when a model A has a Ford V8 transmission installed. Do NOT lube the ball as the petroleum product will cause the rubber to deteriorate. Also if this setup gets very loose you will notice that the steering will wander as the ball moves from side to side and the front axle points in differing directions as this is happening. if you have an oil leak on this rubber ball you may need to replace it every couple of years depending how much you drive as it will get mushy and start to fall apart..

[qmdv]

I had a B engine and trans in a 29 rdst pickup back in 1976. As I recall it was get one of those adapters or split the wishbones. Chose the adaptor.

Tim