Hey guys, I've looked around a bit for a replacement for a 54 Chrysler T&C front lower control arm (I think that's correct, is the plate that holds the spring). Anyhow, one side is ovaled out and the threads are worn away. I'm not seeing many replacements online in general, and worse off, if this part is specific to the wagons, there are hardly any parts out there. (I have a parts wagon but was hoping to leave the suspension alone to sell it) I also noticed they're unique to each side, I don't know if this is a left or right. Didn't notice a part number. Anybody know for sure before I dig into the parts wag?
I would be willing to bet the parts is the same as a sedan. As for 'left' or 'right'....compare the bolt holes along the side rail with your parts car to identify which it matches. I also think it likely the part is the same on DeSoto models of the same year. If you have access to a Hollander's Parts Interchange Manual, it will indicate your options. There is a vintage car salvage yard near Waco, TX, CT Auto Ranch and Desert Valley Auto parts in Arizona. They may be able to supply what you need if you can't find it locally. Also, I have some success in the WANT ads here on the HAMB. EDIT: just looked closer at the photos. I believe that is a right side A arm. On Mopars, they are swept rearward and the lower, outer pin bosses are angled, compared to the inboard bushing bosses. The 'short leg' goes to the front. Ray
I rebuilt a 1952 Chrysler Saratoga and it look pretty much the same as yours and different from the rest of the product line due to the 331 Hemi motor. I believe the difference could be id from the size of the brake shoes, and I think they were 12 by 2 inches wide.
Quick look in a '56 MoToR flat rate shows lower control arm for all '49 - '54 8 cylinder Chrysler except Saratoga as same, as well as DeSoto. Wagons get the heavy stuff in '55 ...
Found a source for new lower arms, and the seller even spotted a bent kingpin support in my photo. Kudos to him, I have a bunch of NOS stuff heading my way. Thanks for the suggestions, all.
Thanks for posting a followup.............always great to hear when a HAMBER gets a problem solved, and how he solved it! Ray
Anyone in this thread know the torque or adjustment specs for the caps to the inner cross shafts? Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I have a 53 coronet hardtop I'm rebuilding the front suspension on. Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hey...Congratulations! I have one of those too......not at all a common model. Mine is a 241 little hemi with manual 3 speed and O/D .....have owned it for probably 25 years. Ray
Mine was the hemi but it's long gone. Has a 318 stroker now and a mini tub with 295 rear tires. Should sit pretty when it's done! Do you have a picture? Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Be careful... I think the station wagon used a heavier suspension than the sedan. Shared with Chrysler DeSoto and Dodge 8 passenger sedans and limousines and possibly Chrysler Imperial. Do you have a factory repair manual? It should give the details in the specifications section.
The '53/'54 Dodge wagons were Plymouth based body shells, not the larger body/chassis used thru '52 Dodge wagons and through '54 on DeSoto and Chrysler. However, that said, they are some differences in steering linkages between Dodge and Pymouth in '53/'54. Not so much the control arms and other suspension parts. Ray
I was responding to the original question concerning the front suspension of a 1954 Chrysler Town & Country station wagon. I believe they used a slightly different, heavier duty suspension than the Chrysler sedans. If I am correct, they would have a wheel bolt pattern of 5 bolts on a 5 inch circle instead of the standard 5 bolt on 4 1/2" circle.
My 41 dodge d19 looks the same. Many of the parts cross up to 56 I believe Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Not sure if this helps...here's the diagram and some torque specs from a '55 manual. When I get home I can check for more. What part are you needing specs for? '55 Plymouth Service Manual by Girchy Girchy, on Flickr '55 Plymouth Service Manual by Girchy Girchy, on Flickr
That's exactly what I was looking for, thank you!!! Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Imperial suspension/brakes on the '54 wagons. I had one for a bit, but it was too rusty . Still have the nice running 235hp 4bbl hemi under the bench though.
T & C bolt pattern is 5 on 51/2 same as the Imperials and limos. It cost me $500. To find this out ordered 5 on 5 wires for my 53 TC and they didn't fit had to return to California and reorder the correct set.......btw its in the manual I just didn't bother to look until it was to late Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The 2 small holes on the right are for the sway bar that mounts on the front side of the control arm. So the arm in the picture is the right side. Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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