Looking for the best/most complete front end rebuild kit

[topdeadcenter]

Hey guys,

Like the title says, I am looking for the vendor that has the most complete and (hopefully) best front end rebuild kit for my dad's 57 Ranchero.

The Basket Case was sitting for 30+ years in a garage and EVERY rubber part is rotted to nearly nothing or is complete junk. 

Edit: We are keeping the stock manual steering set up (except maybe upgrading to a '58-'62 box)

Let me know your opinions on where I should look to get my one-stop shopping done.

Thanks!
Mike


As a side note, the plans call for Aerostar springs and a disc brake swap on stock spindles.

[Ford Blue blood]

Cantor has what you are looking for.  Check the links thread for their site info.

[lalessi1]

I just rebuilt mine. I got my Aerostar springs from Rock Auto, Moog (CC850), $45 for the pair. I used a Wilwood disc brake kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILWOOD-DISC-BRAKE-KIT-FRONT-58-68-FORD-MERCURY-EDSEL-11-ROTORS-BLACK-CALIPERS-/291280155037?fits=Year%3A1957%7CMake%3AFord&hash=item43d1a6719d:g:VnQAAOSwF1dUT8NS&vxp=mtr

I was a little afraid of the kits. I had read about inferior suspension components on the forum and kit suppliers don't tell you what you are getting. I found Moog components for upper and lower control arm bushings and upper ball joints. I didn't spend as much as some kits but it does take more time shopping and planning.

Here is a link to Kanter, https://www.kanter.com/ I think this is what Ford Blue blood is referring you to?

[Ford Blue blood]

It was, thank you.  Morning coffee has not kicked in yet!

[RICH MUISE]

I just added Kanter to our list of supplier links...not sure why it wasn't on there previously, just one that fell thru the cracks.
Being a long time Hamb member, I'm sure you've read about the problems with suspension components having short life spans due to offshore manufacturing. Our '57's are no different. Unfortunatly imho,with alot of suspension stuff having rubber components, nos isn't usually a good choice even when they can be found. Things have changed alot even with souces that were reliable for decades.
With that said, if price is no concern, Rare Parts has lines of components they manufacture here, like ball joints and control arm shafts. I got all my suspension components from Concorse, but Classic Auto Parts and Dennis Carpenter are large distributors as well. I believe I read somewhere Moog is developing a line of "long life"components in light of all the off shore product problems. Not sure if that line has included any '57 components at this point in time.
Just yesterday I was looking thru the Jerry's Classic Cars online catalog and was thinking, or wondering, since he caters to $100K+ upper end restorations, if he has different and posibly better sources for the stuff he sells. If you talk to anybody there, give us some feedback.
Also, a head's up....the body to frame mount kits are all made by Dennis Carpenter, regardless of who sells them. When they are out of stock, usually so is everyone else, so I'd suggest getting that kit asap so you don't have to wait a year for them to make a new production run like I did.

[hiball3985]

http://www.aftermarketsuspensionparts.com/blog/where-are-moog-parts-made/

Rare Parts bought a lot of the Moog US tooling but last I heard they are having the parts made off shore now. These days you never know what you are getting.

[lalessi1]

Rare Parts pricing is through the roof! I bought Moog through Rock Auto...not bargain basement stuff but it seemed reasonable.

[topdeadcenter]

I just bought this kit.  Seems like it has everything needed and the price is decent.  Obviously I am taking a risk with the quality of the parts, but the way it sounds I am taking that risk anywhere I buy from.

http://stores.a-resto-parts.com/1957-1958-ford-ranchero-retractable-hardtop-sedan-delivery-station-wagon-new-front-end-suspension-rebuild-kit/

Mike

[RICH MUISE]

Thanks for the info. Let us know what you think about the kit you're getting from them, and if there were any issues..... I'm going to add them to our links list/ebay version.