Front radius ball bolts

[George E. Holdcroft]

Working on my 30 Tudor installing a new transmission, I was trying to connect the front radius ball to the bell housing. The two bolts that hang down for the ball joint actually hang down so low that they spin under the retaining rod that runs through the boss on the bell housing. I am using all new parts, I have compared the new with the old and everything seems in order. The bolts hang down about 3/8" too low. When I tighten up the nut with the spring and cap in place the cotter pin hole in the bolt does not come anywhere near the slots in the nut, the nut is too high on the bolt, and the bolts turns. The only way I figure that I can fix this is take the new transmission /bell housing back off the motor, take the pin out and shim up the bolts with washers. Then reinstall the transmission. I am in the position to do this now relatively easy since I installed the transmission last night and everything is still set up. Is there another way to fix this problem without all the back ach?

[columbiA]

I have raised the bolts by using 2 or 3-7/16" lock washers under each bolt head.I straighten each washer into a flat washer & grind the OD to the size of bolt head.After many years of pounding over washboard roads the bolts would wear down into the hsg.If the bolts are only worn into hsg a little ways,the pin can be bent a bit to catch the slots in bolts.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

I assume you got bolts from one of todays reputable suppliers, and not from some old Ebay sale on Ricks old stock.. In that case, I agree with ColumbiA regarding wear. Take it off while you have an easy opportunity, and shim the bolt heads so they nest onto the rod and so that the cotter slots align as originally designed.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by columbiA

I have raised the bolts by using 2 or 3-7/16" lock washers under each bolt head.I straighten each washer into a flat washer & grind the OD to the size of bolt head.After many years of pounding over washboard roads the bolts would wear down into the hsg.If the bolts are only worn into hsg a little ways,the pin can be bent a bit to catch the slots in bolts.

You can get the proper thick washers that are not split at your local Fasterner supply house. Accomplish the same thing, less work.

[V4F]

something must be incorrect ........

[Farrell In Vancouver]

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I still prefer the old 28 style bolts with the head drilled for the rod not slotted as later. They didint seem to wear the bottom of the housing as much either.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Are you using the rubber ball or the original style steel ball, sleeves and springs? There is a difference in the lengths of the studs and the other parts can't be mixed between the two. I would suggest you get a new original style kit from Brattons or others and be real careful when installing the spade studs that they don't slip out of the holes and fall under the flywheel or you will be pulling the engine to get them out.

[TomW]

Those bolts can be changed - with a lot of patience and nimble fingers/pliers - without removing the transmission. If you drop one into the housing, it can be retrieved with a strong magnet on the flywheel thru the starter hole. (I know this from experience!!)