radius arm -- shaved bolts through frame mounts??

[bwc302]

got the front end dropped from the donor truck and started looking it over and noticed something I thought weird.

The bolts at the end of the arm where the frame nut screws onto it seems to be ground down or shaved off before you get to the threads (threads seem to be OK and nuts are the same size), is that factory? On the drivers side arm there was a "sleeve" of some kind that was over the bolt and it was on the cab side of the frame.

I have never had a front end off so I do not know if this is expected or not.

Thanks,

Bobby

[flyboy2610]

Can you post a pic of this?
If the metal in front of the threads is not the same diameter as the threads I would be real hesitant about using those radius rods.
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... rods+toast.

[bwc302]

yes, based upon the picture in the link they look like they are heading in that direction.

it is kind of like the bolt is grooved on one side and dished in.

so from what I read it does not sound like a good idea to use these as is.

can I use the radius arms from my 71 with the front disc brake set up from a 76?

I have not taken mine off yet so I do not know if they are in better shape or if they would work in place of these others.

Thanks,

Bobby

[bwc302]

never mind, I searched the forum and found the answer to my question.

for those wondering... yes you can swap them

it is suggested to pull the shock mounts from the newer radius arms and replace the riveted ones from the old radius arms (in case one ever breaks and needs replacing, makes life easier).

thanks all and once again this site and the people have been very helpful

great place for information.

Bobby

[flyboy2610]

You're welcome. We try to help!

[lobuck76]

The later radius arms will accept the brackets for a factory swaybar, if you ever decide to install one. They won't fit the original radius arms. I re-used the originals when I did the disc brake install. But had to swap them out later so I could mount up the swaybar.