The Ford Barn

Joe K · 06-30-2025, 10:47 AM

I use "forceps" to reach up inside the hole and place the cap bolts.

YOU WANT TO CHECK REPLACEMENT BOLTS - because sometimes the slot is not cut into the "head" deep enough to allow the crossways retaining pin to pass through from left to right on the bell-housing.

I have "bent" the retaining pin to allow it to clear the shallow slots as a way to make it work. But in bending you have to be careful to not bend the pin so much the pin hangs up on its bend. (I.e. passing "in" works but passing "out" on the other side alignment is lost.)

Another way I've dealt with this is to grind the cap bolt slot/groove deeper. How much to remove is the question, however. You don't want to remove so much you "weaken" the head area - and you don't want to waste time re-grinding to make it deeper and crawling under the car each time to remove the bolts (forceps) and make it happen.

This IS one of those jobs that are best done with the tranny/bell housing removed - but getting to that point is its own challenge.

Joe K

06-30-2025, 10:47 AM	#1
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,610	Re: Radius Rod front ball kit I use "forceps" to reach up inside the hole and place the cap bolts. YOU WANT TO CHECK REPLACEMENT BOLTS - because sometimes the slot is not cut into the "head" deep enough to allow the crossways retaining pin to pass through from left to right on the bell-housing. I have "bent" the retaining pin to allow it to clear the shallow slots as a way to make it work. But in bending you have to be careful to not bend the pin so much the pin hangs up on its bend. (I.e. passing "in" works but passing "out" on the other side alignment is lost.) Another way I've dealt with this is to grind the cap bolt slot/groove deeper. How much to remove is the question, however. You don't want to remove so much you "weaken" the head area - and you don't want to waste time re-grinding to make it deeper and crawling under the car each time to remove the bolts (forceps) and make it happen. This IS one of those jobs that are best done with the tranny/bell housing removed - but getting to that point is its own challenge. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.