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1955 Plymouth front suspension
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Steppinout
Posted 2009-11-20 10:15 PM (#197635)
Subject: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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So my car has not been on the road since 1970 and I assume the front suspension needs replacement. Any advice?
What parts normally need to be replaced and where is a good place to get them. Some have told me to go to Kanter but their kit is $512 which could kill my budget. Is it possible my suspension is still ok (about 90,000 miles)??

I had read elsewhere that some early 50's ford guys are using aerostar minivan front springs to get a 2-3 inch drop in the suspension. The springs on my car and those on a 51 ford have nearly identical outside diameters and I would think fairly similar load requirements for similar sized cars. The Aerostar springs have a similar load requirement to the ford spring but are shorter. I realize this will require a shorter shock absorber. The ford guys claim their cars look like they cut out 2 coils but ride like they have new springs (cause they do!). I want to lower my car and am thinking of trying these springs. They go for $60 new each or so. Anyone have any thoughts or advice. I have never tried this before. Thanks, John
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MOPAR-TO-YA
Posted 2009-11-21 1:30 AM (#197665 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension


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Very good chance that your suspension is fine, especially if it has been well maintained. Get a service manual and it will tell you how to check everything.............................MO
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Shep
Posted 2009-11-21 1:48 PM (#197716 - in reply to #197665)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Careful lowering this car, front end alignment may be difficult to set up properly.
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Steppinout
Posted 2009-11-21 11:25 PM (#197791 - in reply to #197716)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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First off I know very little about suspension stuff. That said, the ford guys claim no ill effect on camber or alignment. Anyone know if the ford front suspension is similar to a 55 Plymouth? From looking at the two suspensions in a junk yard they visually looked the same to me but again i have little knowledge of this and this is why I am posting the question.
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Shep
Posted 2009-11-22 10:32 AM (#197850 - in reply to #197791)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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I do not believe Ford had kingpin suspension in 55, I would look into that further, either way any time major suspension work is done an alignment is required. Cutting coil springs is " old school" and was never a proper way to lower the car.
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Steppinout
Posted 2009-11-22 8:48 PM (#197962 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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The car I was comparing mine to was a 1951 ford with king pins and i never said anything about cutting coil springs. And yes, i would seek an alignment after any front end work. The vehicles that I had read about were 1949-1953 Fords and the swap is to use a shorter brand new spring that has a similar load capacity to the stock spring. Any swap of springs would be done as part of a front end redo. My intent is to lower the front of my car for appearance reasons and because I like it that way. Just looking to see if anyone had thoughts about the spring swap idea.
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Shep
Posted 2009-11-23 9:00 AM (#198004 - in reply to #197962)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Sorry about the ' cutting springs" issue, I am dealing with a situation similar to this in my shop, so that was on my mind.
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Powerflite
Posted 2009-11-23 11:54 PM (#198142 - in reply to #197962)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Just check all the measurements thoroughly to make sure it is compatible. Original front shocks are very similar to '74 Corvette, but maybe you can find shorter versions starting from there. After that, try it and let us know how it goes.
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Burnemup
Posted 2009-11-25 12:48 PM (#198369 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Hi,

I used one of Butchs Rod shop lowing kits on my 55 Dodge.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/55-56-Ply-Dod-Des-Bolt-In-2-to-3-Fro...


It is based on the strength of your springs, I plan on replacing my springs in the future to raise it up a bit. Here is a pic of my car( also put a 1" block in the rear springs).







(My_1955_Dodge.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments My_1955_Dodge.JPG (159KB - 315 downloads)
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Mopar1
Posted 2009-11-25 3:38 PM (#198387 - in reply to #198142)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Powerflite - 2009-11-23 10:54 PM

Just check all the measurements thoroughly to make sure it is compatible. Original front shocks are very similar to '74 Corvette, but maybe you can find shorter versions starting from there. After that, try it and let us know how it goes.
there's some threads in the modify & Performance section talking about the #s for KYB Corvette shocks that can be used on various cars with slight opening of the mount holes.
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Steppinout
Posted 2009-11-25 9:01 PM (#198441 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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After reading about the set up that Burnemup used above and seeing his beautiful 55 Dodge I went ahead and ordered the kit. I will post pics in Spring once it is installed. Thanks for all the help everyone, John
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-01-15 7:45 AM (#205388 - in reply to #198441)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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OK, I know I'm real late with this posting but I thought I might be able to add a little info here.
The kit you bought takes the lower coil spring mounting plate and drops it down below the bottom of the lower control arm. It is currently in its stock location, riveted flush to the bottom of the lower control arm. You are placing spacers between the mounting plate and the bottom of the control arm. The coil remains the same length, but it brings the top of the coil (which the frame rests on ) down lower to the ground effectively lowering the car. It does affect alignment. Camber will be changed the most as well as a slight change to toe-in. This is not a bad way of lowering this type of suspension as long as you realize you are modifying the suspension and certain compromises have to be accepted. The number one draw back to this job is the effect on scrub line. A pothole or flat tire in the front could cause the lower spring mount to contact the road quicker than you think. If a frame cross member hit the road its not the end of the world, if a lower control arm hits the road at speed.......well just think about what could happen. Oh, and take a good look at the condition of your rubber bump stops. They are notorious for decay. You defineately want bump stops to hit before shocks bottom out.
Fatman Fabrication offers a lowered Kingpin mount which maintains most of the stock suspension geometry. However, there is a small amount of fab work to do because it tightens up some tolerances. You also should do a new a new Kingpin kit with their install. The new mounts have to honed to the Kingpin size.
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MOPAR-TO-YA
Posted 2010-01-15 8:33 PM (#205445 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension


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I don't know who this Jerseybob is , but maybe he knows what he is talking about ......................MO
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-02-05 9:57 AM (#208102 - in reply to #205445)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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I've sure got you fooled !
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60 dart
Posted 2010-02-05 9:38 PM (#208192 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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i've crossed paths with this jerseybob several times in the past , seems to post some good facts . the only thing is he ain't around much anymore !------------------------where you bin bobbydoo?----------------------------------------------------later
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jsrail
Posted 2010-02-07 6:01 PM (#208446 - in reply to #208192)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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I am in the process of installing the Fatman's dropped uprights and the ECI disc brake conversion on our '56 Dodge.  Just got the suspension parts painted today and am having a friend install new king pins this week.  Hopefully, next weekend I will be putting the front end back together and seeing if I have any wheels that are going to fit over the disc brake calipers!
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-02-10 7:26 PM (#208958 - in reply to #208192)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Where've I been ?.........Stalking vintage steel, replacing the grease under my nails with fresh grease, grinding, welding, enjoying the smell of open pipes, daydreaming about Bonneville.....and other vices too numerous to mention. How bout you ? How ya feeling?
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MOPAR-TO-YA
Posted 2010-02-11 12:55 AM (#209012 - in reply to #208958)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension


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J-Bob, we got a whole bunch of newbies around here. You should post some pics and info on your grocery getter. How is that coming along?...................................MO
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Steppinout
Posted 2010-02-11 8:24 AM (#209029 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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I appreciate the input from all but I think a few of you see my project as a place to spend thousands of dollars. I see it as a weekend car to run to the ice cream place with the kids and am trying to keep costs down. The fatman method is surely a better route as would be a front frame swap but this is a 4 door sedan that I am trying to put together on a tight budget. I live in a more rural setting and don't encounter speed bumps or driveway approaches that would interfere with the lowered portion of my front suspension. I only paid $80 for this lowering kit, not the 5-700 for the fatman without all the fab work. I do appreciate your input but let's try to keep these things in perspective. This is my first venture into a fifties car and right now I am trying to use the KISS process of modification. Thanks, John
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-02-11 9:34 AM (#209040 - in reply to #209029)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Believe me, I know what its like to be on a budget. I'm not trying to spend big bucks on your ride. Plenty of people will tell you how you should do things. As you can see, I said this is not a bad way to lower your car. Its just that you cant expect a stock full suspension travel ride. I will not tell you what to do unless your doing something dangerous, or half ass.  Like heating coils...don't do that.  I'm actually doing something very similar to you. I've got the Fatman lowered uprights also. i have not put them in yet, but thats how I'm lowering mine. My plan is to replace the entire rear suspension also, but that a whole other story...
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-02-11 9:46 AM (#209045 - in reply to #209012)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Havent done much with it at all. Its gonna be big bucks to get the whole drivetrain running. I just cant spend that right now. The fuel injection controller is gonna run me about a grand once I get all the small parts and computer. Still gotta buy a complete clutch assembly, have a driveshaft made, change the entire rear suspension, buy rims and tires, blah blah blah.
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-02-11 9:52 AM (#209046 - in reply to #209045)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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here's a shot down the middle of the engine



(hemi valley.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments hemi valley.JPG (123KB - 256 downloads)
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jsrail
Posted 2010-02-12 9:10 PM (#209294 - in reply to #209029)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Steppinout - 2010-02-11 6:24 AM I appreciate the input from all but I think a few of you see my project as a place to spend thousands of dollars. I see it as a weekend car to run to the ice cream place with the kids and am trying to keep costs down. The fatman method is surely a better route as would be a front frame swap but this is a 4 door sedan that I am trying to put together on a tight budget. I live in a more rural setting and don't encounter speed bumps or driveway approaches that would interfere with the lowered portion of my front suspension. I only paid $80 for this lowering kit, not the 5-700 for the fatman without all the fab work. I do appreciate your input but let's try to keep these things in perspective. This is my first venture into a fifties car and right now I am trying to use the KISS process of modification. Thanks, John

Sorry John, my Fatman dropped uprights cost me $389 for the pair, but $80 is a good deal lower than that for sure, and will probably do just fine for you.  You don't have to use a disc brake set-up to use the Fatman dropped uprights, they will work with your stock drums and suspension.  I probably should've worded things better!  Besure to post some pics once you get it lowered!

Jay

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jsrail
Posted 2010-02-12 9:14 PM (#209296 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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JERSEYBOB.......I'm so jealous! That injection system is awesome! I am still not sure which way I'll go with my 331 Hemi, but I have been looking at that set-up, may be a bit outta reach though.

Jay
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JERSEYBOB
Posted 2010-02-13 9:50 AM (#209336 - in reply to #209296)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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I gotta tell ya. I dreamed of having an injected Hemi. To me, it's just the coolest looking thing out there. I searched for along time and really gave up because it is so dang expensive. I was totally ready to buy the Hotheads 4 brl intake, when an amazing deal came up on Ebay. I had to scrounge a little more $ together, but in the long run....believe it or not.....I've got about the same money into this one than it would cost me to rebuild my other hemi and put a 4 brl on it !!! What I've learned in the interim has been a real eye-opener. First of all; Believe what everybody says: Hemis ARE expensive to build and buy parts for. Everybody thinks they're worth their weight in Gold, not matter what condition they are in. They are NOT however a complicated engine. If you can work on a small block brand X, you can wrench on one of the these. Machine work and suggestions by typical brand X guys are not the best advice you can get. Even a gearhead that knows how to make power with the other stuff (Furd, Chebvy) will give you bad advice unless he KNOWS Mopars. A cam profile for a Cheb is much different than a profile for a Hemi.
If you want that Hemi in your car, try to do whatever it takes to get it in there. If you dont, you'll always say woulda-shoulda and kick yourself. Set it up with a dependable 4 brl and run it! Intakes are not a big deal to change. Unless you want to go with a blower, then you'll need lower compression. That decision has to be made when the engine is re-built. I definately made sacrifices to get this motor. When everybody else is driving theirs, mines up on jack stands. The biggest draw back so far has been getting an electronic fuel injection system to make it run. They are all expensive, some not what they're cracked up to be, and then you've got to understand how to program it. I'm old school, computers are a thorn in my side. Like I said; its been a real learning curve.
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IrishPub
Posted 2016-11-24 12:41 PM (#527094 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Nice car.

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CarTeam
Posted 2016-12-30 5:53 PM (#530069 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension


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:o

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1951Cranbrook
Posted 2016-12-30 6:20 PM (#530071 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Nice Car

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Plymouth_1955
Posted 2017-01-11 12:45 AM (#531057 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension


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Fury1957
Posted 2017-01-11 1:15 AM (#531061 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension


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Fury1956
Posted 2017-01-11 1:25 AM (#531062 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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54Wagon
Posted 2017-01-11 7:38 PM (#531121 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Check Summit Racing

 

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Plymouth1957
Posted 2017-01-12 2:23 PM (#531168 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Fury1955
Posted 2017-01-14 2:02 AM (#531307 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Chrysler
Posted 2017-01-14 2:31 AM (#531308 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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54Blevedere
Posted 2017-01-17 12:52 AM (#531527 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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54Convertible
Posted 2017-01-17 1:17 AM (#531530 - in reply to #197635)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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christine-lover
Posted 2017-01-17 12:24 PM (#531563 - in reply to #531530)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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Yep, that's 55 Plymouth front suspension.
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Old Ray
Posted 2017-01-17 4:06 PM (#531590 - in reply to #531563)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth front suspension



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christine-lover - 2017-01-17 10:24 AM Yep, that's 55 Plymouth front suspension.


Yep,..........and the 12 other posts by new user?  Probably the Russian hackers from Trump tower! 

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