Topic: Power Steering Ram Bracket Hardware

[Bossbill]

I know from Jim's hardware list that I have the right fastener lengths on my ram bracket hardware. And in looking at this thread
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=19250.msg155892#msg155892
it appears that the 68 used a 'C' branded fastener for the short bolt (374706-S(2)) going into the frame inserts and the 'F' branded long bolt (374420-S(2)) for going through the frame.

68 Pic from thread above:


My head design is shown below.
Just verifying these are the right fasteners as the bolts were on opposite sides of the shop and that others see these head designs as well.

[jwc66k]

- it appears that the 68 used a 'C' branded fastener for the short bolt (374706-S(2)) going into the frame inserts and the 'F' branded long bolt (374420-S(2)) for going through the frame.

To clarify the use of parenthesis as part of the finish code, the source document I got the information from, did not specify a finish, so I guessed. It may have been unfinished, but I find it difficult to believe for a hardware item used on the undercarriage to have used bare steel (see rust). It may have been zinc/cad plated, it may have been phosphated. Those using the engineering drawings to set up the assembly line and put the right item at the right spot for assembly line use would not care, that was a procurement responsibility. Procurement would get what was needed with engineering's approval. What the actual finish was specified or used was just poorly documented for chassis use.
Remember, Ford was not building concourse grade cars.
Jim

[Bob Gaines]

I have found the bolts to be phosphated.

[Bossbill]

The long 'F' bolt was definitely phosphated. The others I couldn't tell.
Thanks for the validation.
So I guess the head markings are correct.

Hopes it helps others ID their far flung hardware.

[jwc66k]

it appears that the 68 used a 'C' branded fastener for the short bolt (374706-S(2)) going into the frame inserts and the 'F' branded long bolt (374420-S(2)) for going through the frame.

In my stash, all 16 of the 374420-S(2) bolts had the "F" head marking. However, there were three different grade markings and four different styles. There were the standard grade 5 - three marks at 120 deg; some grade 7 - five marks, some at 72 deg, some "squished" upward, still 5; and grade 8, six marks at 60 deg. All these bolts came from salvaged cars so I can't tell the years' application. I assume the grade 5 bolts were early years, 64-66, but after that I don't know.
But, 374706-S(2) bolts had no head marking. There were only 2 in the box.
Jim

[Bossbill]

I just re-installed the original, replated pinch clamp on the rubber boot located on the end of the ram that attaches to the drag link.
It's currently plate bright silver-- right?

[Bob Gaines]

I just re-installed the original, replated pinch clamp on the rubber boot located on the end of the ram that attaches to the drag link.
It's currently plate bright silver-- right?

The clamp is bright silver and the safe bet however sometimes (not always) the clamps were marked/painted with yellow ,white and have even seen some on rare occasions pink . I do not know what the colors signify. Yet.

[Bossbill]

I thought I had that right.

I saw a pink reference in Mike's build thread in the ram area.
The 67 assy manual points to the sleeve in the bushing area - the 68 manual points elsewhere.
Might be fodder for another thread.

[Bob Gaines]

I thought I had that right.

I saw a pink reference in Mike's build thread in the ram area.
The 67 assy manual points to the sleeve in the bushing area - the 68 manual points elsewhere.
Might be fodder for another thread.

That pink paint daub on the P/S chassis bracket (not seen all of the time) is most likely unrelated to the drag link side ram boot crimp clamp but who knows.

[J_Speegle]

I'm not been able to document an original pink daub of paint on the bracket on 67 San Jose built or those built elsewhere on any of the power steering cars and there are allot of them that year. Neither have I found them on that bracket in PS over the counter kits made during the period

Anyone post and original picture of one

[J_Speegle]

Another exampled of what appears to be a F style bolt used for attaching the bracket. Plenty of "F" marked bolt heads on 67 San Jose cars though different in size

[Bossbill]

Sorry, I followed the wrong line. I was referring to the spacer between the two rubber bushings.
If you look at this pic you might understand my confusion (or not!).