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Old 01-13-2014, 12:22 PM   #1
Kahuna
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Default Front wishbone install help

I need some help in this area. I have a Model B that as had some modifications done to the center K member. When I go to install the wishbone ball, I have to pry/move/push the assembly to get the ball into the correct position.

Do I need to loosen the front spring clamps to install the ball? The suspension is all stock 32. Should the ball merely go directly into the ball recess?

Thanks for any assistance

Jim
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Old 01-13-2014, 12:34 PM   #2
700rpm
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

That's usually what I have to do on my A.
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Old 01-13-2014, 03:18 PM   #3
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

My Model A also takes a bit of prying, but I haven't worked on a Model B wishbone or frame.
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Old 01-13-2014, 03:33 PM   #4
MikeK
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

The untethered spring moves straight up and down. The wishbone moves in a radius that is only tangent when the spring is compressed to standing curb height. Unless you're shimmied under the car with no jackstands and the spring is compressed some persuasion from a 2x4, pry bar, or bar clamp is generally needed. If you have the car lifted by the frame a little boost of the front axle by a helper with a floor jack under the center of it usually does the trick. Be careful under there.
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Old 01-14-2014, 12:04 AM   #5
Kahuna
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure how much fiddling I should have to do. I really thought that it should kinda just fall into place. Oh well

Jim
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Old 01-14-2014, 09:12 AM   #6
Bill Goddard
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

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MikeK, I have just installed my new engine in my Leatherback frame. The wishbone ball is about 1/4" to far back toward the rear. I read your post elsewhere about putting a 2x4 under the wishbone about 12" ahead of the ball and I was going to try it today. But then I wondered about the body. It is out for paint. When it's 500lbs is put on the frame, will that solve my problem. Should I wait for the body? Bill G
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Old 01-14-2014, 09:42 AM   #7
MikeK
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

Bill, Put it together now. Frames were assembled complete before they met the body on the line. If you watch old films, plenty of pry bars were used in various stages of the assembly.
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Old 01-14-2014, 10:35 AM   #8
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

I grease the socket well before installing the ball.
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Old 01-14-2014, 06:59 PM   #9
Bill Goddard
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Default Re: Front wishbone install help

MikeK, I put it together. Front wish bone is in place and rear clam shell around the universal went together too.
I greased the ball well and the universal too.
Thanks Bill G
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