Does anyone have the magic words to get the sector arm ball into the drag link on an 1955 F350? Putting the other ball in was a snap but the sector arm ball has me scratching my head. All my manual says is to put the spring retainer in first, then the spring, then the plate that encompasses the ball, then the ball, the other plate, and then the plug. But I think, and I've been wrong before, I need to compress that spring some so I can insert the ball from the sector arm - but how

 

If I remember right the spring is opposite the way the pitman arm is attached. I think you put the plate with ball side toward ball, then ball, then other plate spring etc. Try the Mid Fifty catalog I think they have a diagram.

 

Put the ball through the wide slot in the link before installing the second ball socket,etc.

 

See below for correct assembly sequence

At least on 48-52's, the discs that the ball bears against don't have the teats on the back side as shown.

 

Just to be a dunce, the ***** go between the 3326 parts, correct?
I hope to be doing this in the not too distant future.

 

Harrier, yes the ball goes between the 3326 parts. Harrier, I see you have 239 Y-block experience, do you know where I might find a new cam?

Albuq F-1, that's the same diagram my manual shows. My 3326 parts don't have the teats on them either.

Raytasch, I think I follow - so put the spring retainer part #3320 in then the spring, then put the ball in, then put the first 3326 part inbetween the spring and ball?

53OlderThanMe That's the assembly for the spindle side but for the pitman arm, its almost opposite. In the Manual it mentioned something about countering the jarring while driving - or something like that.

 

I updated the picture above to show where the ***** sit (red dots).

"Raytasch, I think I follow - so put the spring retainer part #3320 in then the spring, then put the ball in, then put the first 3326 part in between the spring and ball?"

No, put in the 3320, spring, first 3326, then the ball. I don't remember having to compress the spring to get the ball in. Don't forget to put the grease seal over the ball first!

 

Yes, on both ends the spring goes towards the front of the vehicle to absorb road shock without transferring it to the steering box gears. Parts #3326 are cup shaped on one side to cradle the ball. I can't imagine how you could possibly put in the front 3326 after inserting the ball into the drag link. The opening in the keyhole slot in the drag link is far enough back to easily slip the ball in with 3320, spring and 3326 already in place unless there is an extra 3320 in the drag link or the drag link is being installed backwards so the wider part of the keyhole slot is towards the front of the truck.

 

Y = Parts catalog symbol for F3/F350.

 

AXracer, I feel really dumb right now. I had the drag link backwards, once I took it apart and reversed ends everything went together easy! Thanks! It would have taken me another day or so to figure it out, kinda slow sometimes. Thanks again!!

 

My experience is very limited. I'm learning as I go on this. I haven't bought any performance parts, I'm using what I have for the most part. My 239 was rebuilt at one time and only about 30K miles were put on it before it was parked.
Here is a link for some cam info. HOME
I don't know if they handle 239 parts though....

Oh, I can see myself doing that for sure. Maybe this will help me remember.

 

We have all made dumb mistakes, some of us more than others. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes.

Glad it worked out.

 

AXracer -

Harrier - Thanks for the link