The Ford Barn

Bob Bidonde · 04-08-2024, 07:53 AM

There needs to be some compression of the springs to enable the joint to take-up wear of the balls and cups, so the ball joints do not develop free play.

nkaminar · 04-08-2024, 10:02 AM

Here is what the Red Book says:

"After the end plug contacts the ball, screw in the end plug an additional 1 to 1 1/2 turns. Align the end plug slot with the cotter pin holes in the tie rod. Insert <the> cotter ... pin."

There is also a note that reads:

"The tie-rod ball springs should be compressed 25% for correct tension. Steering is affected if this adjustment is too loose or too tight."

The note goes along with what Bob has been saying.

The instructions are the same for the drag link and the tie-rod.

In my opinion, there is some judgement required. Not too tight nor too loose. Also, in my opinion, it is worth while replacing the steel pads with the Teflon pads.

04-08-2024, 07:53 AM	#21
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,488	Re: How tight should the... There needs to be some compression of the springs to enable the joint to take-up wear of the balls and cups, so the ball joints do not develop free play. __________________ Bob Bidonde

04-08-2024, 10:02 AM	#22
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,925	Re: How tight should the... Here is what the Red Book says: "After the end plug contacts the ball, screw in the end plug an additional 1 to 1 1/2 turns. Align the end plug slot with the cotter pin holes in the tie rod. Insert <the> cotter ... pin." There is also a note that reads: "The tie-rod ball springs should be compressed 25% for correct tension. Steering is affected if this adjustment is too loose or too tight." The note goes along with what Bob has been saying. The instructions are the same for the drag link and the tie-rod. In my opinion, there is some judgement required. Not too tight nor too loose. Also, in my opinion, it is worth while replacing the steel pads with the Teflon pads. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 04-08-2024 at 10:08 AM.