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8/16/2024 1:58 PM  #1


Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
 

8/16/2024 6:23 PM  #2


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

I used following on my stock upper control arm shafts when I rebuilt and modified them.
It was a bugger to flip them inside-out to assemble and adjust.
Then turned them right side out when done.
The rubber boots were all cracked and broken.

There might be a better choice, but this is what I could find…without paying an arm and a leg.

 

8/16/2024 6:48 PM  #3


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot



Paint doesn’t stick to it well…wasn’t going to mask it off.
The bushings have no cracks or splits.

 

8/16/2024 7:36 PM  #4


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

I have two power ram cylinders that are the early style which takes a ball joint style boot.   The boot that fits completely over and clamps will not work on the 63 - earlier bendix rams.  I also need to get  boots for the inner tie rods as all four of those (two cars) are still in good shape, but the boots are pretty much toast.   My outer tie rods will all be new.   I just ordered kits from stanger53, the other day and hoses and such because RA had a clearance sale on a lot of that stuff.  I struck while the getting was good on the hoses.   So, in my mind, I'm going to do a two-fer and finally put the power steering parts I got from Daze and finish converting it over. 

I pretty much have everything except for some boots and idler arm bushings. 

Just making the to-do list longer.

Last edited by Greg B (8/16/2024 8:00 PM)


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     Thread Starter
 

8/16/2024 7:47 PM  #5


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

Greg…what is circumference of the early Bendix?

I can check mine and let you know.
I replaced my “elbow boot” on ram.

I can check and share part number if Bendix are the same.

 

8/16/2024 7:54 PM  #6


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot



Here's what they look like.  I think I put those current boots on around 2006/07 I'm pretty sure they just came out of the "help" section from a chain store.  Back then, those inner tie rods were unobtanium, but now several places reproduce them.  But they are all four still decently tight, so I'm just going to clean them good and reuse the inners

I've had all the parts from Day stored in a box so I got those to measure from.

Last edited by Greg B (8/16/2024 8:00 PM)


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     Thread Starter
 

8/17/2024 7:13 AM  #7


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

Definitely a different power ram setup at center link.

At least you can grease that ball stud with the fitting.

I had to “repack” the grease in mine after clean up.
A “set it and forget it” type setup…at least inspect it.

I am sure Ford saved a penny on each of the zerk fittings.

 

9/27/2024 9:42 AM  #8


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

I solved the problem with a boot that seems like it will work well.  This was actually harder than face value.  Farm stores don't carry things like this around here anymore, and trying to order off Internet even with the specs was hit and miss.  I believe this part is originally for an Allis Chalmers tractor .Glad I found something before it got too expensive. 

Edit:  it was for a Ford 8N tractor, sorry.



Last edited by Greg B (9/27/2024 9:53 AM)


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     Thread Starter
 

9/27/2024 12:02 PM  #9


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

How did you find it?
Inquiring minds want to know. 

 

9/27/2024 1:11 PM  #10


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

Searched by dimensions on e bay.   Once you start searching, eventually everything under the sun pops up. 

I ordered two different ones from different sellers claiming the proper dimensions, and one the hole was too large, the other, fit the pin great but a side gap would show through the range of motion.  So, these were my third try.   

I also sent out emails to lares corp, and chock o stang, as both of them refurbish the early rams to ask them what part # they use, but I got crickets in return from both...and that's ok. 

I also did a deep search to find out the original part # of the Ford part.  I got that, but nothing came up anywhere when searching that number. 

The tie rod boots were easy.  Got ones that will fit using my measured dimensions on the first try from the company that I posted the original video from.  The box even says Ford tie rod boots on it.

In an unrelated mess, I discovered my four door hardtop has the wrong idler arm on it.  Somewhere in the past, a po put a manual arm on it, which is longer than a ps arm.   Explains why it was so close to the crossmember.  I am going to check the pitman arm as well by party#.  Same deal.  Manual are a tad longer than power.   I'm sure I have both arms here.   I have a couple extra boxes I picked up over the years.  Plus the one Day sent when he went me the entire ps parts off his Galaxie.   I will get it figured out.


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     Thread Starter
 

9/27/2024 7:17 PM  #11


Re: Fitting the correct universal ball joint boot

Thanks for sharing information.

 I will have remember these tips for future use.

 

Board footera


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