parts needed

[fordlover84]

can someone tell me how to remove the upper control arm bushings from a 1957 fairlane.

[Frankenstein57]

Probably need a shop press, Mark

[fordlover84]

how do you remove lower A arm bushings

[RICH MUISE]

I had an inexpensive 3/4" socket set I had picked up at harbor freight for like 40.00 or so. I have actually only used the ratchet once but I have used the sockets for other things many times....pressing in and out the control arm bushings for one. The 3/4" size allows 1/2" all-thread to pass thru and with the appropriate size socket to either fit on the bushing or over the bushing, depending on which way you are going,and some washers and nuts, you can just push the bushings in or out no problem.
If I remember correctly, I had to drill out the rubber between the inner and outer sleeves so I could remove the shaft from the upper arm before pushing out the outer part of the bushing.
I have a pic somewhere of the process, I'll try to find it. One suggestion..use a piece of all thread long enough to go thru the opposite side when you are pressing in the new ones...that'll give you a visual on getting the bushing started straight.

[fordlover84]

thanks. If u have any more information please send it. Getting the lower a frame out of the car is my bigger problem. And pics would be great.

[RICH MUISE]

couldn't find the pics right now...I'll have to search my archives. I was replacing all of my shafts as well as my bushings.he lower shafts are a pain to get out..particularly the front ones. I had to really wail on the lower shafts with a sledge hammer to drive them out...soak them overnight with wd-40 or the like. As I said I wasn't concerned with damaging the shafts...if you are reusing the old shafts, take care not to damage them New lower shafts are around 80. for a complete set if I remember...upper shafts you really get "shafted" on..I paid around 135. each w/o the bushings.

[RICH MUISE]

also...there's 2 recent posts on this subject...page one of general tech discusions, and page one of steering and suspension.

[fordlover84]

thanks. 

[RICH MUISE]

Just a side note on the upper shafts I paid 135. ea. for.....when I got them I checked them with a micrometer to compare against my old ones to see how much the old ones had worn after 50 years. The new ones were actually .001 smaller than the original "worn" ones! I guess the bushings did a good job of keeping the wear and tear confined to the bushings. The 2 bolts that hold the upper shaft on can be turned around on reassembly moving those long nuts to the outside(under the control arm), and giving more clearance for exhaust manifolds. the 4.6 dohc I am hoping to convert to requires this be done. Also, if you're making your suspension look pretty, those 2 long nuts are stainless. They can be sanded and polished.

[Frankenstein57]

When removing 50+ year old parts, you guys need to try PB blaster. Trust me on this one, you won't even consider wd-40.  Also, wd-40 evaporates rather quickly, if you need longevity you need a good penetrating type, or storage oil.  Mark

[fordlover84]

I'm looking for parts for my fairlane on a website called national parts depot. If i looked for parts under 1957 thunderbird will the parts be the same. Andi i am using pb blaster not wd-40.

[RICH MUISE]

I might be mistaken, but I believe almost nothing is the same on a t-bird beyond engine/tranny.

[Hoosier Hurricane]

'55-'57 T Birds use '54-'56 passenger front suspension parts, so the Bird bushings won't fit a '57 passenger car.   John

[fordlover84]

ok thanks 

[fordlover84]

the rear drum brakes on my car the bigger shoes are on the front not the back. Is that correct. I have a 1957 ford fairlane 500