Pulled the 292 on my '56 Crown Vic to install a 302/AOD. I see that my front suspension needs to be gone through. Any info on where to order a good complete kit? It also has power steering and I see some leaks. Need info on a repair kit and hoses. Thanks, for your help.
Check out the ball joint throughly. They are extremely rugged and unless they have had zero maintenance (greasing) they might be still be in very good condition. Neither my 56 Bird and my 54 Ford needed ball joints but needed bushings, etc.
The ball joints in those 50's Fords were also used in Checker Taxis they are very stout check them for play after they have been properly lubed. There are suspension kits sold on Ebay and some members have used them they are probably made by the same factory Carpenter and Mac's use the rubber boots are offshore made rubber junk and have a short life replace those with these. https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/universal-dust-boots.asp
I used these guys when I rebuilt my '54 front suspension. Best price I could find and decent quality parts. 1954-1956 Ford Full Size New Front End Suspension Rebuild Kit with Inner Tie Rods - www.a-resto-parts.com As far as your power steering..........most everyone knows how I feel about EPS. Going this route.....you'll never have to deal with leaks again! Electric power steering from a Saturn Vue into '54 Customline
I got my ball joint set from a Ford supplier that is out of business. I never checked my old ones, maybe they were good. The studs were tight in 3 of them, I like to turn them so I get a clean shot at the cotter pins. On 2 already, the boots had split. The tierod set, same place made in India. The castle nuts were mis-matched, I used my old ones. I had to use a washer on one outer, the cotter pin hole was way off. These, I have replaced the boots already. The control arm kits, from Concours Ford Parts. I already see a lower starting to fall apart. So my advice, shop wisely. I'd rather pay 2x for NOS parts than put up with the junk I got.
The problem I have is that you don't have any way to determine what the "rubber" is made from. I worked at a Ford dealer in the 70's and a 25,000 mile Galaxie would have the rubber falling out of the control arm bushings and strut rod bushings all ready. This was in L.A. where there was lots of heat and smog. Window seals and gaskets, same thing. The last 27 years of my working life were spent at Chrysler Corporation (or whatever it is called now) and somewhere through the years they figured out how to make parts that last much better. I have seen 75,000 mile minivans that the rubber bushings still look like new. I don't know how you can tell what the material is on the parts you buy unless the manufacture states it is urethane or something else.
Not telling anyone if this will work on what your working on but I soak every piece of rubber in 303. I prep wipers, tires, and wipe ALL rubber door seals on my 3 cars at least 4 times a year. I spray it on a-arm rubber. You can read about it on YouTube …. I bought a gallon off Amazon a few years ago. If it’s 1/2 as good as the testimonials I’d be satisfied.
Unfortunately it appears 303 has been discontinued. https://www.goldeagle.com/product/303-rubber-seal-protectant/
303 is a spray on protectant designed for the military at one point and now for sale. It’s excellent with preserving rubber products like our suspension bushings. Ive been able to prolong the life of wiper blades and other rubber type products. I wipe the door seals of all my cars 3-4 times a year. There are a lot of positive reasons to use a product like this show on You Tube..
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