According to Shoebox Central, a-frame bushings haven't been made in 20 years for the '50 mercury's. I can find Ford parts, but am told they are not interchangable. Has anyone else found a source for these parts?
Thanks Anthony, I just found the first option you noted. Just one upper, our a-frame bushing is worn. initially thought it was the king pin. THanks again for helping, Ken
@Boneyard51 thanks for the offer. I did acquire the set that @anthony myrick found for me. Another question now though: The bushings screw on very easily and before the bushings are tightened up against the A-frame, the rotate dfreely as the shop manual says they should. But when I tighten the bushings into the A-frame, again as the shop manual says, the shaft no longer rotates freely but is very stiff. Do I loosen the bushings to get free rotation and if so would the bushings back out? Or do I leave it stiff, which I think would lead to premature wear?
Even though I own two old Mercs, I am unfamiliar with the exact design of the old Mercs. Usually went you rebuild a- frames , they are stiff at frist. I would rather have stiff than loose. If you can move it by hand, it should be good. Bones
On tri fives we replaced bushings lubed them during assembly. Then set them at ride height. Then tightened them up.
@325w , thanks. I know the frames will move unrestricted with vehicle weight. I think I'm going to loosen the bushings 1/8-in to 3/8 inches total betwen the two sides, which will still maintain surface area contact between the shaft and the bushing. I'll paint the bushing with white or some marking paint and look for bushing movement periodically after driving the car.
Sounds like you have it figured out but for future reference try these guys: https://www.rareparts.com I've had good luck in the past getting vintage suspension bits from them.
When the bushings are fully tightened, do they go slightly out of parallel, causing the drag on cross shaft? Or, do the A frame ears need to be tweeked to regain smooth operation?
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