push rod question 428 cj with erson roller rockers

[57fairlane428]

Who sells the proper pushrods for a 1969 428 cj with erson roller rockers? I will be using an edelbrock performer rpm .572 lift cam, matching hyd lifters, manifold and heads. Should i use 5/16 or 3/8 rods? If you know who I may contact this would be very helpful. Thanks.

[Ford428CJ]

3/8 or the 5/16 push rod will be fine if you ask me. You might have to get a set of custom Push rod's made even. Get a push rod checker and see. Make sure that your geometry is correct (Rocker Tip to valve steam & Push rod to Rocker)....

[RICK LAKE]

57fairlane428 If you know the right length, Smithbrothers can make a set of pushrods and have them to you by Tues. Are they cup and ball or ball and ball? There are 2 different size balls, 5/16" and 3/8" but you can get the rod tube in either size. Greg at 18003671533 or 15413888188. You may want to go over to the FE-Forum and do a search, they have alot of info and a couple of wizards that know all this stuff. May sure that the pushrod dones not interfear with the intake on full lift. The lengh I have for the pushrods is 9.157" You need a rocker checker so the center of the roller on the rocker tip sits in the middle of the valve through the whole cycle of opening and closing. Do not hold me to the lenght but I think it is, never mind. Call Erson or go on line. Cheaspeake has grow alot since the 60's, did some camping at Cherrystone back then. Cheriton is all built up by now. Great fishing and crabbing. Rick Lake

[57fairlane428]

A quick measurement of my stock rods with balls is just over 9.500 with a ruler. I have an adjustable rod. Soon as block and rotating assembly comes back from getting balanced I will start assembly and intalling the engine.
I could do it on the stand to make it easier but I am worried about messing the aluminum heads up rigging it back in the car.

Any suggestions as to rigging the engine into the car with heads and manifold attached?

[Clois Harlan]

I had a 57 just like yours (only coppertone in color) in 1966 and we had the engine out a time or two and we didn't have any problems dropping it in. Of course mine was a 290 cu in but I think the physical size was very similar to the FE. I also had the same setup (Intake, Cam, Heads, etc. - I used Smith Push Rods but I also think that Comp Cam has a set in the 9.50" size too!

Clois