Wishbone/Trans Connection

[Mulletwagon]

I disconnected the radius rods at the trans and noticed even though I have the original style socket assembly, the ball had a rubber ball insulator on it. I know the rubber ball is used on the new style socket assemblies but was not sure about the old style. Should I have the rubber ball or did the PO put it on because of ball wear ?

[chrs1961815]

I would take it off to check for wear. But before you take it off I would have a new one on hand because if you decide to put the rubber back on, the old one will probably tear.

[Joe K]

The original setup DOES have a lot of "give." Maybe even enough to allow one to put a rubber ball on it and get the nuts over the threaded posts - maybe even with springs?

Could be a shadetree mechanic "dodge" - and one which probably works.

If all seems tights and willing to work - don't "fix" it.

Joe K

[Bob Bidonde]

Rubber wears rapidly, so it is less durable than the steel parts of the original radius rod ball joint. Given that the radius rod ball is worn, you have choices to restore the joint:
1. Replace the radius rod ball with a repair ball like the one in Bratton's Catalog, Page 21, PN 4631. This is the best option;
2. Use the original joint parts, and in addition use a special conical washer (AKA spacer) like the one in Bratton's Catalog, Page 20, PN4691.

[Flyboy1st]

To fix it right buy the weld on repair ball from Brattons. All of the rubber ball/washer fixes never give you the needed stability that Ford designed into it. I had all my stuff ready and it only took a Saturday to fix right. Really makes a difference.

[Benson]

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[Benson]

BE AWARE THAT the original Radius cap parts DO NO work well with the RUBBER ball parts that hold the rubber ball... RUBBER BALL PARTS are different from original.

Here is what original style parts look like.

https://modelastore.com/index.php?ro...roduct_id=3261

[Badpuppy]

If the caps are original steel, check for elongation of the bolt holes. These will have to be replaced. The rubber may have been added to preserve the shape of the ball, as rubber is easier to replace than a worn ball. If you decide to go with the rubber again, order the complete kit with the cast iron caps - as Benson notes, they are different.