The Ford Barn

Mike DB · 03-26-2012, 07:56 PM

First, I must confess that I do not own a Model A (not that I wouldn't want one). I happen to own a 1925 Dodge Brothers touring car that is undergoing restoration (mostly be me). As you can imagine, parts availability is not like it is for Model T and A (I'm really envious of you guys). Anyhow, my DB is in need of a new pitman arm. The ball end is badly worn and is not replaceable. I happened on a fleabay auction for a Model A pitman arm that looks very similar to the DB. I have been able to determine that the ball diameter is the same (1 inch) and length is within 1/8 inch (7"). I can't find anything saying what the square hole dimension is. Does anyone know or can I possibly get a measurement from the square end of the gearbox shaft?

Thanks.

Wello · 03-26-2012, 08:54 PM

My 2 tooth sector pitman arm end is 15/16" square.

MikeK · 03-26-2012, 09:23 PM

Just because it was originally a one-piece machined forging does not mean it can't be rebuilt. Your DB Pitman arm is definitely rebuildable. The ball, and perch if necessary, can be machined off and a new ball put on. It's done to Model A steering parts all the time. Why not keep your Dodge all DB rather than monkeying some other arm onto it?

Remember, the key word is restore, not replace.

Here's a link for a 1" ball used on Model A's. LINK

You might want to try the AACA forum LINK
I'm absolutely sure they know several rebuilders for pitman and steering balls of all makes.

Tom Wesenberg · 03-26-2012, 10:09 PM

My 28 Model A had badly worn steering balls so I welded them up and filed them round again. I used a washer with a 1" hole to find the high spots that needed filing. It took some time, but is very doable.

msmaron · 03-26-2012, 10:33 PM

My experience has told me. Wiley Higgins is the only person to call, fast and perfect work for all steering balls, pitman arms, cross shafts, axle and more!

Mike DB · 03-27-2012, 06:41 PM

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Thanks Guys. The main reason I was looking into it was cost. I can get a brand new pitman arm for a Model A for $35. A NOS one for the DB (if I could find one) would be made from unobtanium as far as cost. I will check on the cost of welding it up. When you welded your up Tom, did you do any heat treat afterward? I'm tempted to try it.

d.j. moordigian · 03-27-2012, 06:51 PM

Mike,
Try this parts house, they just replace the ball...without the stud.

*............17. No known website: A and L Parts Specialties (860)693-0112 or 2620 (Connecticut)

Dudley

Patrick L. · 03-27-2012, 07:57 PM

You could also purchase the new ball/stud, drill your pitman and weld in the new one..

Mike DB · 03-27-2012, 08:00 PM

If the DB pitman arm looked more like the Model A arm at the ball end, I would try and drill/replace. Unfortunately, the DB arm has a curve before the ball end which makes this unfeasible. (I'll post a photo tomorrow).

03-26-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
Mike DB Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3	Steering Gearbox Question First, I must confess that I do not own a Model A (not that I wouldn't want one). I happen to own a 1925 Dodge Brothers touring car that is undergoing restoration (mostly be me). As you can imagine, parts availability is not like it is for Model T and A (I'm really envious of you guys). Anyhow, my DB is in need of a new pitman arm. The ball end is badly worn and is not replaceable. I happened on a fleabay auction for a Model A pitman arm that looks very similar to the DB. I have been able to determine that the ball diameter is the same (1 inch) and length is within 1/8 inch (7"). I can't find anything saying what the square hole dimension is. Does anyone know or can I possibly get a measurement from the square end of the gearbox shaft? Thanks.

03-26-2012, 08:54 PM	#2
Wello Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Paradise, CA Posts: 104	Re: Steering Gearbox Question My 2 tooth sector pitman arm end is 15/16" square.

03-26-2012, 09:23 PM	#3
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: Steering Gearbox Question Just because it was originally a one-piece machined forging does not mean it can't be rebuilt. Your DB Pitman arm is definitely rebuildable. The ball, and perch if necessary, can be machined off and a new ball put on. It's done to Model A steering parts all the time. Why not keep your Dodge all DB rather than monkeying some other arm onto it? Remember, the key word is restore, not replace. Here's a link for a 1" ball used on Model A's. LINK You might want to try the AACA forum LINK I'm absolutely sure they know several rebuilders for pitman and steering balls of all makes.

03-26-2012, 10:09 PM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Steering Gearbox Question My 28 Model A had badly worn steering balls so I welded them up and filed them round again. I used a washer with a 1" hole to find the high spots that needed filing. It took some time, but is very doable.

03-26-2012, 10:33 PM	#5
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,604	Re: Steering Gearbox Question My experience has told me. Wiley Higgins is the only person to call, fast and perfect work for all steering balls, pitman arms, cross shafts, axle and more! __________________ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

03-27-2012, 06:41 PM	#6
Mike DB Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Steering Gearbox Question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks Guys. The main reason I was looking into it was cost. I can get a brand new pitman arm for a Model A for $35. A NOS one for the DB (if I could find one) would be made from unobtanium as far as cost. I will check on the cost of welding it up. When you welded your up Tom, did you do any heat treat afterward? I'm tempted to try it.

03-27-2012, 06:51 PM	#7
d.j. moordigian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fresno, Ca. Posts: 3,636	Re: Steering Gearbox Question Mike, Try this parts house, they just replace the ball...without the stud. ............17. No known website*: A and L Parts Specialties (860)693-0112 or 2620 (Connecticut) Dudley

03-27-2012, 07:57 PM	#8
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Steering Gearbox Question You could also purchase the new ball/stud, drill your pitman and weld in the new one..

03-27-2012, 08:00 PM	#9
Mike DB Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Steering Gearbox Question If the DB pitman arm looked more like the Model A arm at the ball end, I would try and drill/replace. Unfortunately, the DB arm has a curve before the ball end which makes this unfeasible. (I'll post a photo tomorrow).