ok guys i'm getting back to work on my car and want some opinions on front suspension options. I have a 1954 Ford Mainline 2 dr. I'm looking at running a coilspring or coil over front suspension. My question is what is better for reliability, fatman frame stub with mustang II uppers and lowers or dropped uprights through fatman. I have to be able to run disk brakes with either setup. I know the frame stub/ must. II way is more costly but I don't mind spending the money if it will make it more reliable on road trips. thanks in advance!!!
Search Jamco and cut way down on your work. They have whole kits for that front end and disc brake kits
The 54 Ford front suspension is better than any you mentioned. Rebuild it stock with Granada spindles and disc brakes, upgrade the sway bar and you spent less than half what any other setup will cost and the car will handle and ride better.
I really can't see why you want to change anything, other than some performance rubber parts. The stock suspension is fairly modern and what you want to replace it with is not g going to to be that much better. Disc brake kits and/or Granda discs will update the brakes. A heavier sway bar will help.
Jamco and Fatman will collaborate if you're interested in buying dropped spindles, disc brakes, and lowering springs in one fell swoop. No clip necessary, although the sway bar gets crowded out if you use both spindles and springs. Start with Jamco.
I agree. The stock '54 Ford stuff is great. Even with just cut springs and the Granada disc brake conversion it'll look good, ride smooth, and handle well, for MUCH less money & labor than any "kit".
As far as springs go put Aerostar springs in search,there was a ton of posts on using those and some before and after pics.
If you decide to leave the stock front end we make a bolt on disc brake conversion for the stock spindle. Give us a call 860-872-7046.
sorry to highjack your post ,does anyone know if you can bolt the upper and lower a-arms off a 54 onto a 53?
ECIGUY-have you tried to set up as a vendor here? Get more business is a always good. Have a web site? If you cut front springs don't go crazy, or torch 'em to heat'n'lower. Low looks good, too low the wrong way can be really be a rough rider.
Your car already has ball joints, so you won't gain anything there. As for lowering it, we have 2" drop spindes w/ disc brakes as well as drop coils (up to 3"). A lot less expensive and a whole lot less work then a clip.
good day eh! i am also in the process of updating the front suspension on my 54 ford ranch wagon. the granada parts are all on, now amd trying to figure out the tie rod ***embly and whether the outer tie rods will fit the granada parts. i was planning to use the stock steering box if possible. Any body have any experience with this set up? Greg
I am wondering about a power steering set up for a '54. I have one with dropped spindles, disc brakes, etc. as well as a Chevy Cavalier power steering set up. I don't like it and am wondering if there are any other options.
hey Gregk, the stock tie rod ends will work, but you have to open up the taper on the Granada steering arm.
Answer to number ten above, Bulletproof, No. The 54 and newer Ford front suspension was a copy of the very successful Lincoln ball joint suspension. Fords, 53 and older, made in USA were the older style and the only interchangable parts were wheels and lug nuts.
I did the Granada swap on my 54. You use all the rest of the 54 suspension parts. The only thing you change is the spindles. I had a small problem with the outer tie rods not fitting into the Granada spindle arm, but a little (very little) reaming fixed the problem. Did it by hand with the correct reamer. I know of people who did not have a problem and everything fit ok.
I have been told (no experience) that a late 70's Cougar box is almost a bolt in (two of the three bolts line up).
Paul/hottweelz thanks for the info. i ***ume that the reamer is tapered like the tie rod end. i'll check with the motor rebuilder next door to see if he has the reamer. greg
Holy ****!. I thought you gave up on that thing. i thought about calling you several times to see if you wanted to sell it. good luck on the build
Yhea i finally got motivated and started ordering parts. Got a long way to go but i'm ready to get it done.
This is useful info, as I'm working on a '55 that my parents bought new, same front suspension as your '54. Ozelle the '55 Ford is a Fairlane 4 door, just going to be a very mild custom (shaving hood and deck lid, lowered a little) that will get driven. Even keeping the 3 on the tree.
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