Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-11-2021, 08:08 PM   #1
New2modelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Delaware, Ohio
Posts: 14
Default 1931 Model A Ball Joints

Hey Y'all!

I am restoring my first Model A, as my screen name might suggest? I took apart the suspension apart a while ago. I labeled everything & was thinking I would remember how everything goes back together...anyone else been there?

Anyways, I am needing help in assembling the tie rod ends & drag link cups & springs? A diagram or exploded view would be the ticket!

Thank you in advance!
Chris Kennedy
New2modelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2021, 09:18 PM   #2
Tacoma Bob
Senior Member
 
Tacoma Bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 1,025
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

I believe Snyders has a diagram for this install on their website.
Tacoma Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 06-11-2021, 09:37 PM   #3
sjhark
Member
 
sjhark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Brandon, SD
Posts: 74
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

New2:
Welcome to the Ford Barn! Although I don't have anything to help your current situation, here's some good info from someone who's been in your shoes.
First, go to Bratton's Antique Auto parts website and click on the link to "Assembly Diagrams" (while they don't have one for the tie rod ends, the others are worth their weight in gold).
Second, order a catalog from Mac's, Mikes, Bratton's, Snyder's and Bert's. All of them have different exploded drawings/figures that are extremely helpful.
Third, when you can, pick up copies of "Model A Ford Mechanic's Handbook, Vol. I & II" and "The Complete Model A Ford Restoration Manual". There are other good ones, but these three are the ones I wish I had known about when I first started working on mine. They all have priceless photos and drawings (and information), especially the Restoration Manual.
Good luck! Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint!
__________________
If earthworms had machine guns, we'd all be in trouble!
sjhark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2021, 10:27 PM   #4
1930artdeco
Senior Member
 
1930artdeco's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lynden, Wa
Posts: 3,548
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

Welcome to the club. If I remember right it goes spring, cup, ball, cup, screw thingy (the name escapes me at the moment). I am going to blame old age.

Mike
__________________
1930 TownSedan (Briggs)
1957 Country Sedan
1930artdeco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2021, 10:45 PM   #5
Bob C
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,713
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

Here's Snyders directions. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/R...ions-10380.pdf
Bob C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-12-2021, 09:40 AM   #6
Jack Shaft
BANNED
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,196
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
It's important to insure the balls are round.They oblong with wear.
Jack Shaft is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2021, 05:15 PM   #7
john in illinois
Senior Member
 
john in illinois's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,181
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Shaft View Post
It's important to insure the balls are round.They oblong with wear.
If you are restoring this car yo should certainly repair any out of round ball.
Also king pins and other parts.

As mentioned look at a instruction book. It will tell you step by step what to check. Do not paint and put together worn parts if you are restoring it.

Welcome to the Barn.


John
__________________
Welcome each day
john in illinois is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2021, 08:47 AM   #8
Bob Bidonde
Senior Member
 
Bob Bidonde's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 3,432
Default Re: 1931 Model A Ball Joints

Over the years I have seen 3 techniques to salvage suspension ball joints; (1) Saw -off and weld on a new ball; (2) Machine the existing ball into a cylinder and fit plus weld a new ball with a hole in it onto the cylinder; (3) Cutoff the ball, drill a tapered hole in the arm and fit a new ball having a tapered cylindrical shank.
For (1), you need to very good life insurance because this method is structurally inadequate. There is a bending stress on the weld which is a poor practice. (2) and (3) are structurally sound methods of repair, but (2) is the strongest and will have superior fatigue life.
__________________
Bob Bidonde
Bob Bidonde is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:32 AM.