The Ford Barn

mrtexas · 08-03-2011, 12:42 PM

This is a reproduction of the original?

This is the aftermarket with the rubber bushing:

What do I have here, this came from my E28(but installed on a 39 trans)?

Any reason to use the rubber bushing type if the ball is not worn out?

Louis · 08-03-2011, 04:26 PM

Mrtexas,
If you are putting on the aftermarket "org". type, I don't think the rubber bushing will fit in it, the caps made for the rubber bushing are bigger then the org. socket's.

When I replaced mine a few week's ago I used the org. type socket, My ball was in good cond. so I done away with the old sockets and rubber bushings. and went with the org. without the rubber bushing. It works great. I hope I explan'ed it right.

CarlG · 08-03-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis

Mrtexas,
When I replaced mine a few week's ago I used the org. type socket, My ball was in good cond. so I done away with the old sockets and rubber bushings. and went with the org. without the rubber bushing. It works great. I hope I explan'ed it right.

I just ordered the parts to do this same thing. The rubber one makes things too sloppy. (IMHO)

John LaVoy · 08-03-2011, 05:10 PM

We did a review of the rubber radius rod ball and why not to use them in the Winter 2005 Model A Times.

Patrick L. · 08-03-2011, 05:59 PM

I've never used the rubber 'thingy',but, the general consensus is that they are junk.. If the original style ball or cup are worn, a body washer can be fitted.. Its an old tried and true fix.. Apparently the ball isn't available and many are now building it up and filing/grinding it to the correct size, which is probably the best fix..

jdpalmer · 08-10-2011, 09:51 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I just put new bolts and springs but the bolts apear too short without completly colasping the springs

Mitch//pa · 08-10-2011, 09:56 AM

jd palmer"quote::I just put new bolts and springs but the bolts apear too short without completly colasping the springs"""""quote

did you use the spacers also?? the springs are not supposed to full collapse

mrtexas · 08-10-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

did you use the spacers also?? the springs are not supposed to full collapse

Spacers are there.

Mitch//pa · 08-10-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdpalmer

I just put new bolts and springs but the bolts apear too short without completly colasping the springs

i was actually replying to jdpalmer sorry for the confusion

Purdy Swoft · 08-10-2011, 11:48 AM

I am not saying this for the sake of arguement but I have used the rubber radius ball kit on my model A's for over 50 years with no problems The rubber part may need to be replaced after several years but so will components of the original set up. The rubber ball does NOT cause front end shimmy. It always seemed to me that the original set up with the springs was kind of flimsy and the metal to metal contact obviously in time wears out the metal ball on the radius rod. Ford must have thought the same thing because they changed to the rubber ball from 1932 through 1948 untill the radius rod style front ends were discontinued. It is really a personal choice, if perfect original as for show cars is the aim, the original will be the only choice. My model A's are good driver cars and the rubber ball set up has served me well.

08-03-2011, 12:42 PM	#1
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,395	front radius rod ball This is a reproduction of the original? This is the aftermarket with the rubber bushing: What do I have here, this came from my E28(but installed on a 39 trans)? Any reason to use the rubber bushing type if the ball is not worn out?

08-03-2011, 04:26 PM	#2
Louis Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Marietta GA. Posts: 647	Re: front radius rod ball Mrtexas, If you are putting on the aftermarket "org". type, I don't think the rubber bushing will fit in it, the caps made for the rubber bushing are bigger then the org. socket's. When I replaced mine a few week's ago I used the org. type socket, My ball was in good cond. so I done away with the old sockets and rubber bushings. and went with the org. without the rubber bushing. It works great. I hope I explan'ed it right.

08-03-2011, 05:10 PM	#4
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: front radius rod ball We did a review of the rubber radius rod ball and why not to use them in the Winter 2005 Model A Times.

08-03-2011, 05:59 PM	#5
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: front radius rod ball I've never used the rubber 'thingy',but, the general consensus is that they are junk.. If the original style ball or cup are worn, a body washer can be fitted.. Its an old tried and true fix.. Apparently the ball isn't available and many are now building it up and filing/grinding it to the correct size, which is probably the best fix..

08-10-2011, 09:51 AM	#6
jdpalmer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dublin, Virginia Posts: 191	Re: front radius rod ball Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I just put new bolts and springs but the bolts apear too short without completly colasping the springs

08-10-2011, 11:48 AM	#10
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: front radius rod ball I am not saying this for the sake of arguement but I have used the rubber radius ball kit on my model A's for over 50 years with no problems The rubber part may need to be replaced after several years but so will components of the original set up. The rubber ball does NOT cause front end shimmy. It always seemed to me that the original set up with the springs was kind of flimsy and the metal to metal contact obviously in time wears out the metal ball on the radius rod. Ford must have thought the same thing because they changed to the rubber ball from 1932 through 1948 untill the radius rod style front ends were discontinued. It is really a personal choice, if perfect original as for show cars is the aim, the original will be the only choice. My model A's are good driver cars and the rubber ball set up has served me well.