The Ford Barn - View Single Post - 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

55blacktie · 08-29-2021, 01:43 PM

Bigmac, I have the same problem, but on the passenger side. However, I only replaced the upper ball joint on the passenger side, only because I damaged the original during disassembly. Unfortunately, the replacement, which I bought from a Tbird supplier, was made in India. I have since bought a NOS upper to replace it, but will let the alignment shop install it, if called for.

An expert, who used to restore 1955-57 Tbirds, judge them, and wrote a restoration manual, told me that the original ball joints were over-engineered, larger than they need to be, and don't wear out; that's why I did not replace the other three. I've also read that the ball joints need to be "seated," and it should loosen up once it's been on the road for awhile. I hope that's true, but I will let the alignment shop (they know their stuff) determine whether to replace the aftermarket ball joint the NOS.

Post/send PM once you have it sorted out.

08-29-2021, 01:43 PM	#2
55blacktie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 442	Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move. Bigmac, I have the same problem, but on the passenger side. However, I only replaced the upper ball joint on the passenger side, only because I damaged the original during disassembly. Unfortunately, the replacement, which I bought from a Tbird supplier, was made in India. I have since bought a NOS upper to replace it, but will let the alignment shop install it, if called for. An expert, who used to restore 1955-57 Tbirds, judge them, and wrote a restoration manual, told me that the original ball joints were over-engineered, larger than they need to be, and don't wear out; that's why I did not replace the other three. I've also read that the ball joints need to be "seated," and it should loosen up once it's been on the road for awhile. I hope that's true, but I will let the alignment shop (they know their stuff) determine whether to replace the aftermarket ball joint the NOS. Post/send PM once you have it sorted out.