I'm looking at buying a '55 Thunderbird project car that is missing the front suspension. Are the control arms and steering linkage the same as any model Fords? I would like to add disc brakes - does anyone have recommendations? Are there any other suspension options? I don't want to put a Mustang 2 set up on it.
The upper and lower a arms and spindles are the same as the pass car. I'm not sure about the drag link, idler, tie rods and pitman arm. You can install disc brakes from the t bird venders on the stock spindles. You can drop the front end with Granada spindles by reaming the lower (I think) opening for the stock ball joint. They drop you 1 1/2" IIRC. Aerostar springs are a drop in, lower the car, and greatly improve ride and handling. Some report both those springs and the spindles are too low, others, just low enough. The geometry isn't bad stock, and I'm running 225/60 15's on 15x7 rims with 3.5" backspace. It's really tight, especially at full lock on the steering. The a arm bushings are the same, but I think they press in different from the pass car-see a bird manual. Some guys have spaced the lower arm forward a bit, which improves the range of caster adjustment. You want all you can get, my bird topped out at 1 to1 1/2 degree before I modified it. With power steering, 3 degrees makes it track a lot better. I can give more details, but don't want to go farther OT. PM me if you want more detail.
The Aerostar (Moog CC850) springs have a spring rate around 600 lbs. and are on the short side for some cars like my '59 Ford. Look at the Moog CC851 which is a little longer and has a rate of 440 lbs. which is a little over the stock 'Bird springs. Try The Ford Barn for parts, they have an active classified section, something new every day and a wanted section. Happy hunting.
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