Newbie needs advice , 36 Front end

[Voycey]

Hi Guys

Learning as i go but keen. What started as checking and replacing brake shoes/ bearings etc on my 36 Fordor led to wanting to clean/ paint and replace any worn joints etc on front suspension.Any advice on procedure, what to check for when lowering the front end. Currently it is on axle stands ready to attack. There is 30 years of grease build up and muck to clean off . I have always been intimidated with the front springs and their removal after reading posts. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Old Ford Addict]

The worst part is usually the bolts that hold the wishbone to the axle … usually rusted in and require some heat on the front and back of the axle to get out.

Spring
I always use a C clamp and remove the center bolt .. then remove the leaves from the main … then remove the shackles … then remove the main itself.

I look at it this way
It needs to come apart anyway to get clean … may as well do it when its bolted down.

Many will disagree but many don’t know the difference between a coil spring story and a leaf spring story

 

[G.M.]

Put it on the ground with the wheel straight ahead. Have someone move the steering wheel from left to right through the inch or so of free play just bumping into the area it takes force. Watch the front wheels and see if they move at this point. Get underneath and look at all places that could move, steering wheel, play in box, mounting bolts of steering box, drag arm, tie rods, king pins, wheel bearings, backing plate bolts etc. Look at the perch bolts if there is a ring of rust where they go through the axle they are loose. A small amount in several places make a lot of free play. I found a 40 coupe that had just about all of the above lose and had at least 1/2 turn of slop in both directions. Tightened every thing plus adjusted box and with no new parts steering was perfect. G.M.

 

[Heard]

Definitely what G.M. said. Especially if you are not going to take it apart.

If, on the other hand, you are going to take it apart, pm me and I'll be glad to relate my recent experience doing this. I'm no expert, but I'll tell you what I learned. Like you, I was intimidated by that spring. Not anymore. I've assembled and disassembled that front spring at least 6 times trying to get the stance the way I wanted it. I think I only did the rear spring twice.

 

[Richard]

if it is not broke don't fix it.