radius ball

[jhowes]

if I were to weld in a new radius ball how accurate does the hole have to be drilled. It would seem that a few degrees off would change the caster of the front end. The same could be said for using the radius ball washer, putting it on top as apposed to putting it on the bottom of the radius ball. Has anyone done the math to see how accurate this has to be?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by jhowes

if I were to weld in a new radius ball how accurate does the hole have to be drilled. It would seem that a few degrees off would change the caster of the front end. The same could be said for using the radius ball washer, putting it on top as apposed to putting it on the bottom of the radius ball. Has anyone done the math to see how accurate this has to be?

But everything is relative because if the top of the ball is worn, it takes + caster away, ...however if the spring is worn and sagging, then caster is put back in. Also remember that caster constantly changes as the vehicle is driven and depending on the passenger load. This also does not account for worn Clutch Housings. Generally I find the end of the axles are not the same and is where most of the caster discrepancy is found.

[jhowes]

I appreciate the response Brent. When you say the ends of the axle are not the same do you mean that the king pin angle is different so that caster on each wheel is different? Where does the spacer washer go, top or bottom?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

What I am saying is many axles were abused over the years as owners hit things, or used a chain around an axle to pull things (out). Rarely do I ever find an axle that does not need straightening, and often times one end is tweaked differently than the opposite end due to this abuse.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Are you sure you need the washer?
I thought my first Model A was quite worn, but when I removed the rubber cover and put the correct plates kit back on, the space between the plates was at least 1/8", so I was good to go.

[CarlG]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Are you sure you need the washer?
I thought my first Model A was quite worn, but when I removed the rubber cover and put the correct plates kit back on, the space between the plates was at least 1/8", so I was good to go.

Same here!

[dave in australia]

The radius of the radius rod is 36" from the axle to the ball. This gives an effective diameter of 72". The circumference of a circle is pi x dia, so the circumference is 246". A circle has 360 degrees. If we divide 246 with 360, we get 1 degree equaling .68". or 1" equaling 1.47 degrees. A 1/4" variation will change the king pin angle by .367 degrees, and a 1/2" variation will change it by .73 degrees.

[hotrodalley]

Brent - How do you straighten an axle?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by hotrodalley

Brent - How do you straighten an axle?

Press.

[theHIGHLANDER]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Press.

I wish I could find the pic online that shows an axle cold twisted like a pretzel. Very inspiring...

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by theHIGHLANDER

I wish I could find the pic online that shows an axle cold twisted like a pretzel. Very inspiring...

This thread has a couple:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103130

[KR500]

Caster angle is not critical. It can vary a few degrees and as Brent mentioned, weight of passengers spring sag, bouncing up and down all add to caster angle change. Positive caster gives the vehicle the ability to track straight down the road and return straight after a turn. The more positve the caster angle the more it wants to track straight.