Rubber Radius ball dissatisfaction

[BarracudaBoy]

Fairly new to Model As and my car came with the rubber ball kit. Upon inspection the rubber ball looked pretty tired so I decided to order up a replacement. When I got the new one I was surprised to see how thin the rubber ball was. I was expecting something more substantial.

After installing it I found that it still has a good bit of play. Almost a 1/4 inch up and down. I wasn't able to check for play fore and aft, but I suspect I would get the same results. Is this a normal amount of play with these kits?

[Mike V. Florida]

These kits stink period. If you cannot weld the the ball back up to the right size have you tried the cupped washer the vendors sell?

[CarlG]

You will need to get the original style kit, and like Mike said, if the ball is worn you can try one of these washers along with the original style kit.

[BarracudaBoy]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check that out.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Originally Posted by CarlG

You will need to get the original style kit, and like Mike said, if the ball is worn you can try one of these washers along with the original style kit.

Be careful when replacing those slotted studs, make sure they don't slip out of your grip and fall under the flywheel in the housing tie a thin wire around them when taling them out or replacing them. Sounds like I've been there?

[700rpm]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If your wishbone is out of the car, get it welded and ground to proper shape and size. If it's still in the car, the metal shim(s) will work for a while (about $2 ea); you shouldn't need the whole socket replacement kit (about $9). Mike's right about the rubber ball: they are as worthless as a used condom.

[ed thibodeau]

Why did Ford go to the rubber ball in 32 if they are so bad??

[Art Bjornestad]

Wow, I have been washing them out and using them again, have done so for years.......have 9 kids now???

[Ross/Kzoo]

Originally Posted by Art Bjornestad

Wow, I have been washing them out and using them again, have done so for years.......have 9 kids now???

And you're how old, 28?

[Tom Wesenberg]

If your car came with the rubber ball cover, then it probably also has the cast iron (larger size) sockets. My 29 Tudor was this way also when I bought it. I bought the correct kit and installed it by fishing the slotted bolts through the hole in the bottom. A little tricky, but very doable. I thought my wishbone ball looked too worn, but the new steel plates gripped it nicely and it still has at least 1/8" to wear off the ball before the ball would be loose in the socket.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by ed thibodeau

Why did Ford go to the rubber ball in 32 if they are so bad??

They might have worked (and/or still work) on a new and round radius ball, but they're no good for trying to compensate for lost metal on a worn ball.

[BarracudaBoy]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

If your car came with the rubber ball cover, then it probably also has the cast iron (larger size) sockets. My 29 Tudor was this way also when I bought it. I bought the correct kit and installed it by fishing the slotted bolts through the hole in the bottom. A little tricky, but very doable. I thought my wishbone ball looked too worn, but the new steel plates gripped it nicely and it still has at least 1/8" to wear off the ball before the ball would be loose in the socket.

That's sounds like the problem I'm having. I'll break it back apart this weekend and post some pictures for you fellows to peruse.

[Purdy Swoft]

I think that there must be some defective rubber ball covers being sold by some. the ones that I have used were thicker than the ones described above. I have used the rubber ball set up on every model A that i've had since 1960. There was never any looseness and I never had any problem with them. If the radius ball is badly worn it will need to be built up or replaced. A new replacement metal radius ball that threads on is offered by some.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

If your car came with the rubber ball cover, then it probably also has the cast iron (larger size) sockets...

This is the reason I suggested the kit above (post #3). I changed mine out when I had the tranny out so it was pretty much a no brainer.