1954 Ranch Wagon e brake cable springs

[51504bat]

Finally got around to installing the new rear end in my Ranch Wagon. Apparently there are 2 springs about 6 inches or so long that I believe are used to hold up the rear cables after they exit the rear end. I can't find a diagram showing where they attach to the frame and the cable its self, either in my shop manual or chassis manual. There are 2 slots on either side of the frame that could be where the upper end of the spring attaches but it seems as if it would be a stretch for the other end to hook on the cable. Anyone have a diagram or photo showing the e brake cables installed? Thanks

 

[KULTULZ]

Were the springs on the original install?

The 49/59 MPC shows a 'TYPICAL INSTALL' for years 1952-56. It shows brackets (2530 - 2531) holding the cables in place.

 

[CrownVic55]

I am having the same problem. I did a frame off on my 55 Crown Vic and after getting it all back together could not figure out where springs went. And since had car from new, they are factory.

 

[51504bat]

Were the springs on the original install?

The 49/59 MPC shows a 'TYPICAL INSTALL' for years 1952-56. It shows brackets (2530 - 2531) holding the cables in place.

the brackets that the cables slide into are there just don't know about the springs.

 

[KULTULZ]

... the brackets that the cables slide into are there just don't know about the springs.

OK, working on it. The springs keep the cable housing from rubbing anything, correct?

 

[51504bat]

OK, working on it. The springs keep the cable housing from rubbing anything, correct?

That's my take on it. Can't figure that it could be for anything else. Thanks for trying to sort this.

 

[KULTULZ]

OK ...

The MPC ILL or 1955 WSM does not show the spring(s) install even though we know they were there. I found the SERVICE PART NUMBER - AB 2745-A (2) and they are listed for the 1953-56 FORD.

I have a photo of a 56 FORD on a rack showing rear axle details and if you follow the frame rail directly behind the mounting bracket for the cable housing there are two small holes (1956). I would think that those are intended for the upper spring mount and the lower hook captures the cable housing. This would keep the cable housing somewhat in align with the mounting bracket and help keep the cable from sagging over time.

I will attach the photo but my browser is out carousing and it may not show large enough to cipher on.

You would think someone here with this period FORD would post the info. If I come cross anything else I will post it in this thread.

Sorry about that ...

​

In fact, looking again at you photo, one of the holes is elongated to accept the spring hook it seems to me.

 

[51504bat]

A guy who comes to a Saturday morning coffee and donuts get together I go to has a '54 Country Squire. Hopefully it still has the springs and I can crawl under it and take a look. If he shows on Saturday hopefully I'll have a better idea about the springs.

 

[JSeery]

I've seen them many times, but can't remember where they connected!

 

[KULTULZ]

I would think most would have rusted and failed and not have been on the vehicle.

 

[JSeery]

I would think most would have rusted and failed and not have been on the vehicle.

The ones I've seen, these were years ago, were very rusty and doing next to nothing, LOL.

 

[JimNNN]

I have a '54 Ranch Wagon, stock/original underneath, but it's in storage. If you don't have an answer in a day or two I'll go up and take a photo. Sorry it can't be any sooner than that, but help is on the way!!

 

[KULTULZ]

I have a '54 Ranch Wagon, stock/original underneath, but it's in storage. If you don't have an answer in a day or two I'll go up and take a photo. Sorry it can't be any sooner than that, but help is on the way!!

That would be great and most helpful. I can't remember where they went either ...

 

[51504bat]

I have a '54 Ranch Wagon, stock/original underneath, but it's in storage. If you don't have an answer in a day or two I'll go up and take a photo. Sorry it can't be any sooner than that, but help is on the way!!

Thanks. If the guy I know with a '54 Country Squire shows up at coffee tomorrow I'll see if I can get a photo of his (assuming the springs are still intact.

 

[JimNNN]

Okay, I've got the pics. Unfortunately, they don't show what I was expecting, but they do show how my ebrake mounting springs have always been for as long as I've owned the car, and I suspect a long time before that. Don't know if that's original. As you can see, on both sides the spring doesn't attach to the frame, but to the U bolts attaching the axle housing to the leaf spring. Note the bracket on the brake cable a little ahead of the spring. The springs seem to accommodate this the way they are. If they were pulling the cables up towards the frame, there would be more conflict with the exhaust pipe. Maybe they put the springs on like this umpteen years ago when they replaced the exhaust, or maybe that's the original placement, I can't say.



PS> - I AM going to change out those old brake and fuel lines before too long.




Jim

 

[KULTULZ]

Okay, I've got the pics. Unfortunately, they don't show what I was expecting, but they do show how my ebrake mounting springs have always been for as long as I've owned the car, and I suspect a long time before that. Don't know if that's original. As you can see, on both sides the spring doesn't attach to the frame, but to the U bolts attaching the axle housing to the leaf spring. Note the bracket on the brake cable a little ahead of the spring. The springs seem to accommodate this the way they are. If they were pulling the cables up towards the frame, there would be more conflict with the exhaust pipe. Maybe they put the springs on like this umpteen years ago when they replaced the exhaust, or maybe that's the original placement, I can't say.

Jim

Plausible.

Makes sense. I imagine the tension of the cable housing prevents the spring attachment at the U-Bolt from moving downwards?

 

[51504bat]

Thanks. That helps a lot.

 

[JimNNN]

I imagine the tension of the cable housing prevents the spring attachment at the U-Bolt from moving downwards?

That's a good question. I didn't give much thought to that when I took the picture. You'd think the spring would move down a bit where it's attached to the U bolt. Not much downward tension, I guess. They're also probably a little rusted in place by now.



I didn't take a picture of it, but the emergency brake cable is sitting/riding directly on the exhaust pipe where it goes past it, so that says to me clearance/interference was an issue. The exhaust guys likely moved the springs - I can't see how the brake cable could be sitting any higher than it is.


Do I need to get the cable off of the exh. pipe? It's been like that for years.

 

[KULTULZ]

I didn't take a picture of it, but the emergency brake cable is sitting/riding directly on the exhaust pipe where it goes past it, so that says to me clearance/interference was an issue. The exhaust guys likely moved the springs - I can't see how the brake cable could be sitting any higher than it is.

Do I need to get the cable off of the exh. pipe? It's been like that for years.

What section is touching? When they did the exhaust was the pipe copied from the original?

I am still digging for that book that may give the 1954 PRODUCTION/SALES RELEASE. I haven't forgotten ...

 

[JimNNN]

What section is touching? When they did the exhaust was the pipe copied from the original?

The exposed metallic part of the cable on the right side... a bit ahead of the type of bracket I showed in the pic of the left side. I'd say the pipe approximates the original, but maybe not the same. Comparing mine to old '54 tv comercials, I'd say my pipe hangs noticably lower. I'll check and see if the hangers are correct or in decent shape.