Re: [FWDLK] '56 D-500 Suspension

[David Homstad <dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nathan,

Early 56 Dodge D500s had a heavy duty suspension and brakes. Later in the
year, this became optional, so not all D500s had the HD stuff.

The HD Dodge brakes were standard 56 Chrysler 12 x 2 drums. Standard Dodges
had 11 x 2, and some low end Plymouths had 10 x 2. With the exception of the
steering arms, the complete package from upper outer control arm bushing to
lower outer bushing is identical to 56 Chrysler brakes, vertical support,
and king pins. These also fit Plymouths and were on Furys. The only unique
part is the steering arm which mates the Dodge steering linkage to the
Chrysler spindle. These were only available on D500s and Furys equipped with
HD brakes. Without these arms, the conversion cannot be done.

The HD Dodge springs were special for D500 or Fury. Standard rear springs
were 5 leafs, but the HD were 6 leafs. The front coils were stiffer for the
HD. These are not the same as Chrysler, since the whole package was designed
to lower the ride height 1.5 to 2 inches for improved handling on a lighter
car.

Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Nathan Nuttall
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 1:37 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] '56 D-500 Suspension

I was scanning Ebay and saw a descent '56 Dodge 2-door wagon project
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6210&item=
2479050321&rd=1 . I would buy it if I didn't already have too many projects,
and only one driveway. He states in there that he has parts to convert the
suspension to D-500 status by pulling parts from a '56 Chrysler.

...you get the original Dodge radiator, a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker radiator
with mounting frame (to be cut down to fit Dodge), fan shroud, power
steering column with original pump, power brake unit complete with pedal,
all the front suspension...A-arms, spindles, knuckles, brake backing plates
and drums...to convert over to a D-500 braking and suspension system...4
rims (have to have these to fit the updated brake and suspension system),
rear differential with springs (all from said Chrysler), bucket seats, plus
many more parts (still finding them).

What exactly makes up a '56 D-500 suspension? Is it the same as the
Chrysler? Is this the same suspension that came on the '56 Fury as well?

Thanks,
Nathan Nuttall
56 Savoy
68 Barracuda FB
57 Dodge Truck Wannabe