Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

I have read through lots of wishbone ball threads on FordBarn. Most mention side-to-side movement at the ball. My wishbone ball shows vertical, up/down play that I think is excessive. There is no side-to-side movement. Does this up/down play still mean that I should repair the ball? Or just try to take the vertical play out? If the vertical play can be taken out, how would it be done?

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

Are you using the rubber ball cap kit or the metal to metal cups with springs?

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

Rubber ball cap. Should this be changed to the metal-to-metal cups with the spacers and springs? If so, why is the rubber ball cap not a good one? I noticed it mentioned in many places that the rubber ball cap is not satisfactory.

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

With the oil dripping, the ball disintigrates. Easy to change. It also may have been a quick fix for an out of round ball in your case. FWIW
Paul in CT

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

If i remember correctly the ball should measure 1.50" side to side and top to bottom.

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

Thanks for information and ideas. If the rubber is sufficiently disintegrated (and the radius ball itself measures true 1.5"), would it be best to replace with another rubber ball? Or to use the ball washer in the bottom cap to take up any slack in ball movement? I'm not clear of what the pros and cons are of each "fix." Any ideas or experiences would help me!

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

Rubber ball doesn't fit properly in standard saddle plates. The cast iron ones surround the rubber better. Don't know what the cotters are for, you'd notice loose nuts long before they would reach them.

Washer may add more wear to the ball, rubber cover won't.

Re: Wishbone ball on '28 A Roadster
 

Thanks, Badpuppy for clarification. Much appreciated. More investigation and measuring to be done on my radius ball and caps/plates.