The Ford Barn

oldford2 · 05-08-2012, 02:08 PM

I suspect that the front radius rod rubber bushing under the cap has never been touched in 44,000 miles. If it is soft or disintegrating what effect on the front end would it have. What precautions have to be taken if the cap is removed for rubber replacement? Is there much tension on it? I will have to research old posts where a method to inject air to expand the bushing was described. Thanks
John

36tbird · 05-08-2012, 02:37 PM

If I were you, I'd junk that whole front suspension and put a Mustang II under it with tubular stainless upper and lower arms.

oldford2 · 05-08-2012, 02:59 PM

36tbird, I think your post belongs on the "joke of the day" thread. LOL
John

19Fordy · 05-08-2012, 03:13 PM

To replace the rubber ball on my 40 wishbone I jacked the car (chock front wheels) up so I could crawl under it and removed the old cap. You can then pull the wishbone down (by hand) and insert a 2 x4 between wishbone and frame. Then I just put a dab of dish soap on the new rubber ball and pushed it on. When you remove the 2 x 4 the wishbone goes back in place and you can secure the cover. I know there is the "pressurerized rubber ball theory" but I didn't find it necessary.

Vic Piano · 05-08-2012, 03:32 PM

John, On the Zephyr I just took the cap off, cleaned everything, put some Vaseline on the wishbone ball and a little in the rubber ball and let the weight of the car push the wishbone into the rubber ball and everything seated itself nicely. Now, about that Mustang II... LOL

al pa. · 05-08-2012, 07:04 PM

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I wasn't sure what would happen,so wrapped a chain around,and had the floor jack under it,before taking the cap off.It worked out well,because with the car on stands,no front shocks,or sway bar,it let the radius rod and whole front suspension drop,until the front spring stopped it.I probably would have been very surprised had the jack not been used.

05-08-2012, 02:08 PM	#1
oldford2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: pittsfield, MA Posts: 2,086	46 front radius rod ball bushing I suspect that the front radius rod rubber bushing under the cap has never been touched in 44,000 miles. If it is soft or disintegrating what effect on the front end would it have. What precautions have to be taken if the cap is removed for rubber replacement? Is there much tension on it? I will have to research old posts where a method to inject air to expand the bushing was described. Thanks John

05-08-2012, 02:37 PM	#2
36tbird Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: nw SanAntonio, TX Posts: 939	Re: 46 front radius rod ball bushing If I were you, I'd junk that whole front suspension and put a Mustang II under it with tubular stainless upper and lower arms.

05-08-2012, 02:59 PM	#3
oldford2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: pittsfield, MA Posts: 2,086	Re: 46 front radius rod ball bushing 36tbird, I think your post belongs on the "joke of the day" thread. LOL John

05-08-2012, 03:13 PM	#4
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,951	Re: 46 front radius rod ball bushing To replace the rubber ball on my 40 wishbone I jacked the car (chock front wheels) up so I could crawl under it and removed the old cap. You can then pull the wishbone down (by hand) and insert a 2 x4 between wishbone and frame. Then I just put a dab of dish soap on the new rubber ball and pushed it on. When you remove the 2 x 4 the wishbone goes back in place and you can secure the cover. I know there is the "pressurerized rubber ball theory" but I didn't find it necessary.

05-08-2012, 03:32 PM	#5
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: 46 front radius rod ball bushing John, On the Zephyr I just took the cap off, cleaned everything, put some Vaseline on the wishbone ball and a little in the rubber ball and let the weight of the car push the wishbone into the rubber ball and everything seated itself nicely. Now, about that Mustang II... LOL __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

05-08-2012, 07:04 PM	#6
al pa. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: pgh.pa. Posts: 321	Re: 46 front radius rod ball bushing Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I wasn't sure what would happen,so wrapped a chain around,and had the floor jack under it,before taking the cap off.It worked out well,because with the car on stands,no front shocks,or sway bar,it let the radius rod and whole front suspension drop,until the front spring stopped it.I probably would have been very surprised had the jack not been used.