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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 96
C
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 96
Hi folks. I am replacing my drag link on my 52 CDN built 1300 1/2 ton and found out the balls on the Pitman arm and the steering arm look pretty bad.They look like they are factory riveted or slightly flanged out to hold them in.Do you grind the slight flange off and then drift them out? Also what is the best way to refasten them?

Last edited by Woogeroo; 02/06/2013 5:50 AM.
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269

Yes - you might need to use a hydraulic press.

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9,671
D
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Is this what you are looking to replace Jeff?
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/121615912
Here it is drilled out. When the ball stem is peened over it forms a head like a rivet
because the arm is chamfered. After drilling most of the center out I then used a large
chamfering tool to remove the head, being careful not to get into the arm:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/121615915/large
From here you can drive the ball out with a large drift pin.
The replacement ball is threaded and I used a large flat washer to span the chamfer
in the arm.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Last edited by Denny Graham; 02/06/2013 4:59 AM.

Denny G
Sandwich, IL
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,122
4
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Someone here on Stovebolt suggested this trick I found helpful when I had this task awhile back. They said to use a center punch and drill into the ball stud about 1/2 inch before using a drift. That was after grinding the swagged end flush first.

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,115
'Bolter
'Bolter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,115
There used to be two kinds of replacement balls. One had threads on the end of the shaft and the other didn't. I used the treaded type.


1951 GMC 1 Ton Flatbed -- It is finally on the road and what a great time I have driving it!
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall
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C
Wrench Fetcher
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Thank you everyone who posted. They are now removed and ready for the new stuff.Cheers


Moderated by  Gdads51 

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