Bent radius rod.

[mbowen]

Should I straighten the radius rod now, or wait until I get the axle reinstalled and check caster? Twist in the axle has been corrected. 1924 Touring.

[jab35]

Straighten before reassembly, jb

[Allan]

James is on the ball. Straightening it before installing it will not add stresses to the assembly as would fitting it bent and then trying to correct the bend.

Allan from down under.

[John kuehn]

Absolutely. Get all the front end pieces straightened before assembling the front end. You can straighten the radius rod by securing the side that’s still straight and using a 1 1/2 “ length of pipe and straighten it cold if it’s not to far out.
Depends how they are bent or cocked out of alignment it is. If you have a few T extra parts try it on another one to see how it works first.

[Bill Robinson]

While the wishbone is disconnected, you might want to measure the ball, which should measure 1.25". I recently had a ball come out of the socket on my '26 pickup. The ball was worn to a little less than 1"- to the point that the ball slipped out of the APCO socket. Luckily, I found it before something drastic happened. I installed a new ball and a new FORD type cap.

[John kuehn]

You probably know already but it goes without saying to replace ALL the bushings in the front end assembly. Also look closely at the tie rod yoke and ball. That is a important part that can get overlooked. I know because I did it!
I filed the tie rod cap and added a new tie rod bolt. I later found that the yoke was worn just a little. Mistake! I bought a NOS yoke and ball from Lang’s and that really helped to have almost no slack in the front end. Really helped with steering control and having better drivability.

[mbowen]

You probably know already but it goes without saying to replace ALL the bushings in the front end assembly. Also look closely at the tie rod yoke and ball. That is a important part that can get overlooked. I know because I did it!
I filed the tie rod cap and added a new tie rod bolt. I later found that the yoke was worn just a little. Mistake! I bought a NOS yoke and ball from Lang’s and that really helped to have almost no slack in the front end. Really helped with steering control and having better drivability.

This is a complete axle rebuild. The axle has been straightened and machined for tapered upper spindle bushings. Spindle bolt threads checked good. Spindles have been rebushed (all three on both spindles) and fitted to the axle. New spindle bolts and tie rod bolts have been purchased. Spring main leaf and perches have been rebushed and new forged shackles have been purchased. All the old steel parts have been stripped, cleaned, and repainted. The radius rod is the last item to deal with. It has been laying under the car since I removed it and I’ve just noticed the bend as I was cleaning it up prior to paint. The bend appears to be about 1/2” to 3/4” starting about half way between the ball and the axle end on one side. I don’t have a means to straighten it but the guy who straightened the axle probably does.

[mbowen]

Done. I tried a manual pipe bender but it wouldn’t budge the radius rod. I took it to friend/antique car restorer with a hydraulic press, and it only took about 5-6 tries over about 15 minutes to get it done.