Any difference

[Zapato]

Between 57 and 58 frames. I know the steering is superior on the 58s but is the rest of it identical between the 2 years customs/custom 300s ?

Zap-

[SkylinerRon]

Custom frames are the same 57-8
Fairlanes, Converts, Retracts are all different.
What makes you think 58 suspensions are better?

Ron.

[Zapato]

not suspension, steering box is better

Zap-

[suede57ford]

'58 had a different design upper control arm shaft bushing.  It was a metal threaded bushing like an early Mustang uses. Either type works fine.

'59 had a way better designed sway bar.   I try to find the larger wagon ones, and use some aftermarket bushings and holders from the local parts store. I cut a slot in the frame and insert a flat strap with two 3/8 nuts inside the frame then weld the hole shut.  The '59 bar looks like a madern car with end links.   It was an easy swap, but you must have one lower control arm off of both the car your removing it from, and the one you are adding it to as it has lots of snakes and bends. 

Quickor company was making brand new thicker '59 style bars too.

It was worth the trouble to change over to the '59 style on my '57.

[suede57ford]

Always try to use the original frame, as the VIN is stamped in three places on all of them.   I may not mean anything to you know about having them match, but with the Department of Public Safety VIN certifications that you may have to sometime go through to get it licensed or taged in yours or another state it could cause you major problems.

Keep the matching VIN frame with the car, or you may end up loosing it some day.

Check Gambil's 1957Ford.com to see the locations.

[BWhitmore]

The Ranchero /wagon frames are also different from other frames.  Different rear crossmember.

[Tom S]

The Ranchero /wagon frames are also different from other frames.  Different rear crossmember.