was curious if frames on a 53 were the same as a 54. got pst suspension book, and looking at swaybars they list 54 and 55. thanks in advance
I would take the measurements down from your and look under a 55 and see what the difference is . I think someone did one here about 3 weeks ago . You might want to try a search . Can't remember who it was but they found a common one that would work on a 55/56 Ford Jim
no the frames are different for these two models. the 52 and 53 models are the same frame. they are different because of the flathead and y-block engine. also the 54 was the first year that they changed the front suspension and that made a difference. the transmission cross member is also located in a different place on the 54.
Your '53 was the last year for kingpins,in '54 Ford changed to Independent Front Suspension so you are in a situation where you measure,measure again and see what you can adapt.If you do not have the Ford Parts CD send Retro Jim a pm and order one from Him,it contains exploded views and part numbers of the suspensions so you can see first hand what you may be in for.
thanks for all the info. i know owning/working on /modifying old cars is supposed to be fun. thats what i keep telling myself anyway i always seem to buy "orphan" cars, where it seems everything readily available for them is always 1 year newer than what i have... lol. everybody here has been a great help tho.
I am not positive but I think the only difference in the frame is in the section from the firewall forward. but that is just a guess based on not paying to much attention underneath mine (a 54) and my friends (a 53). and them looking similar. The big difference was front suspension and crossmember.
I have a Dennis Carpenter catalog and it shows the front end parts for 52-53 being different from 54-56 stabilizer bars. I have almost all the manuals for the 52-53 and live just a few miles from you.
missys dad had a swaybar isue on his build thread. but dont remember exactly what . heres his build thread http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=2841
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