What are we doing about 19 20's steering arm ball joints ?

[gundog99]

A one problem all owners of 1920's Dodges have,or will have, is the steering gear arm with its integral ball joint.
Is there a safe way to restore the ball; or is there an alternative arm, (to fit a Gemmer box)with a removable ball joint,perhaps used on a different marque of car? Dare I suggest Ford modal A

[imported_Terry kean]

The Model A Ford had 1" balls that were forged in one piece with the pitman arm and steering spindles. Ford owners have the same problem that you describe. There are several ways that are used to restore the ball stud on the steering parts. One method is to cut off the old ball and stud completely and weld a new ball stud in it's place. These ball studs are available from Ford parts suppliers. The key here is making sure that the new ball stud is exactly centered on the old location and that the height of the new ball stud is at the same height as the old ball. Tig welding by a competent welder is critical. Get it done by a professional not the guy your buddy knows in the garage behind his house with the red buzz box. It is your life on the line if a welded pitman arm ball separates while you are at speed. I have seen badly done replacements that are not safe. These replacements done correctly are a safe methode of restoring steering balls. Just my .02$ Terry

[nearchoclatetown]

Terry, I've never been involved in this, but have with other life threatening situations. Would it be better to build up the worn areas { by the same pro tig welder} and remachine the ball without cutting it off? Or fasten a new ball by some mechanical method like bolting it in place?

[imported_Terry kean]

Doug, I agree that welding and machining is the best repair method. the problem is finding someone that can machine a spheer on an irregular shaped part with no real datum to work from. I'm not saying that it can't be done but I have not found anyone that is willing to do it for me. I have a set of Ford spindles and a pitman arm tig welded and ready when I do. On my Model A I have an old replacement ball stud that has an threaded stud. The original ball was cut off, the surface filed flat and drilled through. This repair is ok if the spindle was designed with enough stock to be strong enough after drilling to support the ball. I have not seen these threaded ball studs for many years. Maybe having someone machine up some threaded ball studs would be an thought. When that machine shop is found we should have new tapered ball studs made up to rebuild the DA Dodge tie rod ends. This stuff gets involved when you start thinking about heat treating, the varied skill levels of the individuals attempting the repair, the differences in design, the condition of parts that are 90 years old and liability issues. You need to look at each repair on an individual basis. Terry

[nearchoclatetown]

Terry threaded ball studs can be bought, I think McMaster-Carr has them. But I'm not sure what material they are made from, they could be soft. With enough patience and a hand grinder with a sanding pad I think a welded ball could be put back in shape. Might need a little dykem to mark the high spots. Cutting the old one off and welding a new one on would scare me. We have too many potholes in Pa.