1952-59 Ford Bump stops

I've mentioned this before but I'm currently working on my first build with my dad. We are building a '55 Customline and have just completed the rebuild of the front end with Granada spindles and Aerostar coils. While putting it back together, we noticed we had the bottom bump stops but not the top ones. After reviewing the pictures I took before we started, I noticed that the stock suspension was missing them as well.

Our lower ball joint kit included two bolts and then the lower bump stop was used in the third mounting hole. However, the kit for the top ball joint included all three bolts. Shouldn't there be a bump stop on top as well? I would think with the new lowered suspension the upper would be more important now than in the past. He says we can run without them but it is pretty close to hitting right now. The car is still on the jack stands so it will be a different story once it is back on the ground. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid and should just rely on his experience.

For you that are running this setup, what are you doing for the upper stops?

 

You may have the ball joints in the wrong place, or they could have been packaged wrong. The bump stop is part of the TOP ball joint mount. There is no bump stop for the bottom. When installing Granada spindles, you should do something about the turn stop. I welded a chunk of 3/8 round stock about six inches long inside the stock turn stops, facing up. If you lay under the car and turn it to the stop you see where it needs to be.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just checked out Mac's and Concourse and both list their upper ball joint kit with three bolts and the lowers with only two. Both sites also list an upper stop as well as a lower. I guess I'm just confused on where that upper one would mount or if I'm going to be okay without them.

Here is the before picture:


and where we stand right now:


Actually, the steering components have been reinstalled but I don't have an updated picture with them. There are more pictures in my profile for any that care to see the progress thus far.

 

Click on this: http://webrodder.com/index.php?page=showStories&search=Ford IFS

 

Thanks Jeff! I've already bookmarked that site and have been referencing it during this build. That site also has info on the 605 steering box install, which I'm also planning on doing.

Basically, I know there is supposed to be an upper stop so I guess I should have phrased my original question better. Why do the manufacturer's sell the lower ball joint kits with only two bolts, forcing you to run a lower bump stop, but then sell the upper's with three bolts? Also, with the new lower suspension will the stock sized upper stops be too tall or do I need to go with a shorter one like energy suspension sells?

 

What the heck was I thinkin? I better go look before spouting off.

 

With lowered front suspension your lower bump stop s going to cop more of a hammering than the top. A lot of people have to trim the lower bump stop cause it is constantly bottomed out.
When installing the top bump stop there is a right and wrong way to fit them. If you put them on the wrong way, they will be pushed out when they come in contact the ch***is. Just rotate them 180 degrees if this happens.
Regards

 

Thanks Rick. I had to go back and rethink why the bottoms would take more of a beating with the lowered suspension, but you are correct. I had the geometry in my head backwards and had to draw it in order to see what you were talking about. Unlike most of you guys, my car is 60 miles away from me so I can't just go out to my garage and see for myself. I really appreciate y'alls help and patience. Truly the best social group on this board.