1952-59 Ford Ball Joint Vs. King Pin Chassis

I first bought my 1953 Monarch 2-door sedan when I was 15 (waaay back in '92). I tore it apart, thinking I was a restoration guru or something. Soon, I realized at the time that running and driving 50's Fords and Mercs were my thing instead of a complete resto. Well, fast forward to now, and I have been collecting a bazillion parts for this thing to finally build it. I'd like to start with the ch***is, considering it will be a frame off. Here's my conundrum. The stock 53 ch***is has the king pin suspension, and much thicker engine crossmember. My 54 Monarch parts car has the ball joint front suspension and newer style engine crossmember obviously. The parts car will need the front crossmember changed (rusted out, typical). For installing a 'later' engine, possibly a 302, and lowering which would be the better choice: the factory 53 king pin ch***is, or the 54 ball joint frame? Thanks for anyone's input!!

 

In the past I have owned four 1953 Fords with kingpins and three 1954 Fords with ball joints, I never really noticed a difference in ride quality, probably because Ford used the same front coils and shocks from 1952-56. If the kingpins are kept lubricated, they tend to last forever. Back in the day, when we changed our oil and filter every 2-3K, lube jobs were just part of doing the whole job. You can see plenty of Tech & pictures with both suspensions here. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...coil-springs-49-thru-59-ford-and-merc.260795/

 

If you are planning a later Ford engine swap contact https://www.speedwaymotors.com/? for your mounting parts.

 

Very soon I will have a '54 Victoria shell to sell. The body is pretty much non-usable and most of the gl*** is gone but the frame was undercoated very well and looks solid. I don't think anyone is interested in a body with rust hoes and pieces that were cut out so I'm planning on pulling the engine/trans and cutting up the body for s****. I'm in central TX

 

If you’re planning on disc brakes I would think the ‘54 ch***is would be the way to go, spindles and brakes can be found on many different Fords that will bolt on.

 

Awesome, thanks! I've been submerged with my other two cars, the two 56 Fords for many years, and the last king pin car I owned was a 53 Monarch 4-door in 2008. I do remember the ride wasn't too bad, I will take a look at the link! Also, thanks for answering my next question, about engine mounts!!

 

Thanks for the info, the ch***is sounds pretty good, too bad it's a little short than the Mercury/Monarch ones. Then again, I could always swap a Ford front clip onto my Monarch if I swap it to a Ford Ch***is....hmmm

 

Good idea, I hadn't thought about that aspect. Something like a 70's Maverick spindle will work well on the 54 ch***is much easier.

 

Disc brakes for a 1949-53 no spindle change needed. https://www.performanceonline.com/1949-53-Ford-Car-Front-Disc-Brake-Conversion-Kit/

 

Wow. I can't believe how out of the loop I am. I had no idea these kits were available. Thanks for the link, that really helps!

 

ECI (Engineered Components INC.) has all kinds of disc brakes kits They are in Connecticut.