Re: [FWDLK] Front end rebuild for a '59

[Vincent Van Humbeeck <vincent.vanhumbeeck@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Well all I can say is that Neil Vedder recommended "Just Suspension" in NJ
(1-800-872-1548 or Fax 973-808-8889) to me and I have just received my order
last week : their parts are great !! I had ordered a full front end-kit
(outer tie rod ends, upper/lower ball joints, upper/lower control arm
bushings, strut rod bushings, upper/lower bumper stops - $299), plus inner
tie rod ends and shock absorbers. All parts are made in the USA, and the
front shock absorbers are gas-type, which seems to be quite rare for '57-'59
Plymouths (according to someone from the list). All the necessary hardware
is there, down the the smallest bolt or nut. If only the french customs had
not added a $170 EU entrance fee and sales tax to my package, it would have
been perfect !!

The only doubt I have is regarding the strut rod bushings, which seem to be
longer (2.6") than the shrank, cracked, falling apart originals. They are
funnel shaped, 1.4" at the front and 1" at the rear with a groove to fit the
frame in between. But it seems to me that if they do need to be shorter, I
can cut them.

Torsion bars do not need to be replaced, unless they are too rusted out or
cracked.

Vincent Van Humbeeck
'58 Plymouth Belvedere Sport Coupe

-----Message d'origine-----
De : Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]De la part de James
Envoyé : samedi 9 août 2003 21:17
À : L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Objet : [FWDLK] Front end rebuild for a '59


I am going to rebuild the front end of my '59 Dodge. I know this has been
discussed before and I try to save al the emails that I think I will need
but....

Does anyone have any links or book references on the basic process? For
instance, does on replace the Tie Rod ends as a matter of course or is there
some way to tell if what you have are fine? Here is an old post from 2001.
Is this correct?

>Its not the rod that goes bad, it is the ball and socket ends go bad.
One replaces these sockets or "tie rod ends".  They are going bad when if
you twist the rod by hand and there is not hardly any resistance at all,
they are worn.  When you twist and can rock the ball in the socket because
there is free play of the spring loaded mounting surface inside, then they
are more than worn, they are worn out.

>On some "rods" like the steering center link of most of our cars, the ends
are not replaceable but are an integral part with the shaft.  When these are
worn and worn out, the entire unit must be replaced or rebuilt by a source
like Rare Parts.

I also have old posts stating that to remove the best way to remove a ball
joint is to have a machine shop do it.

Also, do you recommend getting some sort of complete front end kit from
Bernbaum or piecing it out with some from Napa, some from Bernbaum and some
from whoever? I want to get good parts at the best price, but unless I have
something resembling a "shopping list", I have no way to piece it out and in
essence, create a complete kit for the best price. Also, I know there are
NOS parts here and there, is that a good way to go?

Finally, what if anything do I need to do in relation to the Torsion Bars??

This is the first time I am going to do this so any tips you may have will
be most appreciated.

Thanks again to all for their help.

James
1959 Dodge

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