Front end stuff for my 56

Kahuna

Kahuna

Well-known member
I'm going to begin the process of dismantling the front end 1 wheel at a time.
I will fix/replace anything needed re the brakes. While I've got stuff kinda apart, I thought about checking/replaceing ball joints, bushings, springs (Aerostar), and whatever else I think needs attention.
I guess what I really need to know is do I need a spring compressor?
Can I do most of this by myself, as I have no help, but could borrow someone on a short term basis?
For those who have worked on these cars, is there anything that stands out that I should be aware of when I have stuff apart (ie, other parts that might need changing).
Sorry for the lengthy post, I just want to this job once and not have to go and repeat any more labor than is necessary.
Thanks
Jim
 
Autozone will hook you up with the spring compressor at no charge you put down a deposit and it's refunded when you return it. Do a complete lubrication of all suspension parts BEFORE you check for play,back in the day when I worked for Sears and Wards they used to rip off people and got nailed by Consumer Affairs for selling ball joints and such when they were not needed.
 
check the rubber parts as well {control arm bushings} when I did my wagon I swapped the spindles for Granada and went with disk brakes I just used a floor jack to reassemble the stock springs granted the spindles dropped it 2 inchs just be careful I did the frt end in my ranchero this summer those springs scared me even with a spring compresser
 
Hey Jim, here's the name and list of parts for my 55CV front end. Being a 55 and NOT a 56 I hope this helps. I'm not familiar enough yet to lnow if there is a difference, but I'd be willin ta bet that someone here does. The pricing is on there web page. Jus google em. Rowen
 
Make sure that the ball joints are bad - don't just replace them because they are old. The ball joints used on 54 -56 Fords were super heavy duty and unless they have never been taken care of they most likely are still good. These same ball joints were used on Checker cabs for many years and stood up to the abuse.

You don't need a spring compressor to take apart a 54-56 front end. email me and I will email you back with a breakdown on the procedure to take the front end apart and put back together. I have a 54 Victoria and 56 Bird and have done front ends myself on both.
 
Shucks Jim sorry, forgot to post the list. :0( here it is....
 

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If you have the engine out you will need to compress the springs to get them in and out. The standard spring compressors which grab the outside of the coils will not work due to the housing for the springs on the chassis. The method I used was a length of high tensile threaded rod, about 12mm or 7/16" approx 2 foot long. I slipped a piece of 3/8" flat bar through the bottom coils and double lock nuttted the rod. I then slipped that up through the shock absorber top mount hole , put a washer and a nut on there and then tightened the nut up. This compressed the spring easily and allowed the bottom ball joint to be removed from the lower control arm. Swing the arm down and out of the way and you then unwind the top nut. The spring will come out safely.
If the engine is in the car I prefer to just use a trolley jack under the lower control arm.
In both methods you do need to have car supported on good body stands high enough to allow the lower control arms to swing down vertically.
Hope this helps.
 
Hi Talk
No I haven't. We've had a lot of fires around here and I'm now storing several cars for friends at our house. Maybe with the weather changing all will be OK
Jim
 
Kahuna; be safe, and good luck. Those of us in the east cry for you every night watching the news.
 
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