Spindle Arm Ball Replacement

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Dec 4, 2010 | 08:04 PM

eman92082

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,063

Likes: 38

From: Valley Center, California

Spindle Arm Ball Replacement

Howdy Friends,

'49 1/2 ton - Stock Front End

The Ball on my Spindle Arm is slightly worn and since I've rebuilt my Drag Link and have a new Pitman Arm, I thought it might make sense to change it. The sucker is seriously staked in place.

I note that the exploded view of the assembly shows a tapered part (PN 3131) that is held in place with a Castle Nut and Cotter Pin. Has anybody replaced one of these and if so, was the hole tapered or did you have to have it taper-reamed?

Thanks

Dawg-a-Saurus

Dec 4, 2010 | 10:17 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,288

Likes: 1,053

From: NM

The Parts CD says that F-1's, '48 - '52, had an integral ball. '53 -on and some of the heavier '48-'52's had ***** that were replaceable. Does yours have a castle nut? Not like the Parts CD is always right.

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Dec 4, 2010 | 11:13 PM

eman92082

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,063

Likes: 38

From: Valley Center, California

You are right Ross. My Bad.

I was looking at the wrong illustration on my CD. Not the first time I've done that either. Mine does indeed match illustration P552.

I measured the ball with a Mike and although it looks really worn, it's really not as bad as it looks. It's only worn .020 and there is no galling. So I think I'll go with it.

Thanks for the help pointing that out.

Ernie

Dec 4, 2010 | 11:49 PM

underthebridgejim

FTE fan

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,674

Likes: 11

From: paradise, northern calif.

Glad to hear yours is ok, i had to drill out and ream mine. Then weld in a new ball. I guess i could have also rethreaded for the new ball, hind site is always 20/20. oh well it will out live me. ha ha! (jimmy)

Dec 5, 2010 | 08:32 AM

4tl8ford

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 7,493

Likes: 7

From: Erie, pa

Press fit - I've seen them heated and smacked with a hammer, acted like a missle launcher - I've drilled all mine out.
There are some replacements with threaded ends.

Dec 5, 2010 | 10:25 AM

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 21,978

Likes: 9,812

From: Rio Rancho, NM

Dawg,

Just run any old bolt through the hole, drop the drag link on it and make several wraps around teh whole mess with some bailing wire andhead out onto the freeway.....you'll be fine.

You can press them out easy enough. When I built my steering I made made my own link between the pitman arm and the steering arm using the Toyo parts. I ended up pressing out the Ford ball stud and using the Toyo ball stud.

I think I've seen the ball stud inseveral catalogs from the usual vendors, LMC, etc

Bobby

Dec 6, 2010 | 09:16 PM

wulleebullee

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 101

Likes: 14

From: Diboll, Texas

I recently replaced one on a 52 F1. First, I ground off the bottom of the ball stud flush with the spindle arm, then drilled it out. Next, I pressed in the new one, heated the bottom that protruded through the arm and star-brad it with a chisel/punch. I found it at Early Ford of California decently priced.