Pete O Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 One of my winter projects is to tackle the torque ball leak inmy '51. I've been reading through the shop manual to size up whatI'll need, and I see reference to a special tool J-2597 to install theseal. Is this tool an absolute necessity, or is it something thatjust makes the job easier, although it can be done without?Anyone have experience the the Torque Ball kit that CARS sells?Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 The torque ball kits are available from a number of places. I got mine from FATSCO. Installed on a 57 Special it does not leak..............Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete O Posted November 23, 2006 Author Share Posted November 23, 2006 Hi Bob, Thanks for the lead. I sent an email to Fatsco asking for information. Did installing the seal on your '57 require any special tool like the one that is shown in the '51 shop manual?Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Not that I remember. It does take a bit of adjustment with varing thicknesses of gaskets that are provided. I'm assuming the 57 is similar to your 51. Fatsco should be able to give you the answers.....Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DaveCorbin Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Dear Pete: You don't say if your car is a Special, Super, Century, or Roadmaster. Check your parts book carefully as they may be different. 39's are and the torque ball seal for the Roadmaster/Limited is unavailable, unless you get very creative!! Regards, Dave Corbin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critterpainter Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 You need to drop the rear-end and move it back to get to the torque ball. The two bolts that hold the coil springs to the rear end are LEFT-HAND THREAD!! 1951 torque balls were a metal-to-metal seal (tin to copper?) Dumb method. Many cars over the years were converted to the 56 up outer retainer with a rubber lip seal. much better system. The part I can't answer is whether you need to use the later style inner retainer too. I have heard some people say no, the 51 style workes fine. Others say that NO you need the later inner retainer or the outer retainer won't seat to the torque ball. The later inner retainer sits about 3/8" higher than the earlier one. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted December 22, 2006 Share Posted December 22, 2006 One other tip: polish the torque ball itself to a mirror finish. This helps prevent future leaks. The smoother the better.Good luck with the project! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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