shoebox suspension question

I need some tech help. I have looked in the archives but haven't had any luck. Any shoeboxers that have any advice or pics would be great on how they got the outer upper arm front suspension seal in would be great.

 

if its the one I think you are talking about I slid it over the end of the control arm then after putting the long bolt thru and tightening it up I rolled the seal back over the end and into place. If that makes sense

 

I circled the two seals that I am having problems with

 

Putting those in on my brothers '50 was kind of a nightmare. I put the bolt through and just worked backward one piece at a time, you know? You just gott keep adjusting that "nut" thing with the offset hole until you get it right...just don't get frustrated and try to force it, then the seal will tear.

Just put on some music and get relaxed while you're doing it and it won't be as nerve-wracking.

I hope this helps somewhat.

 

Might do a search on shoeboxford.com.

I was in a time crunch so I paid the machine shop an extra hundred bucks to do the bushings while they were doing the kingpins.

 

I have done a search on shoebox but was just wondering if any one had a little more insight. It has to be easier than what it is for ford to have done it. It seems like the seals are more of a plastic than a rubber and they just aren't quite plyable enough

 

On my '51 Merc. I was able to slide it onto the center ecentric bushing piece that mounts to the upright. (with the help of some grease). Then I slid it on to the threaded pin after it was installed and tight. My seals were rubber from Kanter. (If that makes sense....and mine may be a little different that the Ford)

Kanter, Mac's and Jamco carry seals that I believe are all rubber, which would be easier to slide on than plastic.

 

Those are a real pain to install. We just did a set a couple weeks ago and it never gets any easier. For starters, it helps if you have 3 little hands. We start by soaking the seals in hot soapy water. This softens the rubber and makes things a bit easier. Then start threading in the bolt. once it's thru the a-arm slide the seal on and raise the upright and keep threading the bolt into the upright. Now comes the hard part. You need to squeeze the 2nd seal in on the other side. This is a very tight fit. Once you have it stuffed in there, you can keep theading the bolt thru. I guess the best advice is to take your time and have a good amount of patience

 

hey Jim you have time to post but not respond to emails were are my parts man....