Advise For Disassembling Front Suspension & Mech Brakes

[VCS2]

Hello,
Ready to start a "weekend job" on my model a project. I have a completely stock frame with the orginal front suspension and mechanical brakes installed. I am ready to start disassembling the frame so I can inspect, clean and paint all the components.

I am starting up front by disassembling the front suspension and brakes. The engine and transmission are still in the car and I plan to pull them later. The body has already been removed however.

I have only worked on 65 Mustangs and up year cars. I have mechanical experiance and know the obvious things, but when it comes to the "buggy spring" suspension and mechanical brakes I have allot to learn.

So I ask the sage advice of the many people here who have disassembled these cars, the best way to do it. Also any safety advice (things that pop out, warnings of things to avoid doing by yourself if help is needed) as well as techniques that will help me avoid damaging any parts.

I already started the process by soaking allot of the bolts with penetrsting oil. This looks like fun, but like allot of things I hope it doesn't "bite back"!

Thank you all in advance. I really appreciate all the great knowledge you guys share.

[1931 flamingo]

Do you have Les Andrew's books?? A lot of good info there. Be careful working around the front and rear springs. Do a search here. Otherwise pretty straight forward. I took my first one apart (totally) about 1957/58, I was 13.
Paul in CT

[Russ/40]

My recommendation would be to remove the engine before removing the front axel assembly. Get all that weight off everything and you will find the job safer and more enjoyable.

[Mikeinnj]

Don't do anything until you do some research either on this site of in one of the many restoration books available here : https://mafca.com/cart/index.php?show_price=yes%22

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

My recommendation would be to remove the engine before removing the front axel assembly. Get all that weight off everything and you will find the job safer and more enjoyable.

I don't remove the engine. I didn't need a spring compressor for the front, only the back. You might have to use a press to get the spring perches out.

[Brentwood Bob]

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Read up on handling springs before attempting any tear down, or disassembly. Safety is paramount to any procedure. Also learn to document your disassembly of any component as you find it. pictures are golden. A good rule of thumb is attempt one job at a time. The classic scenerio is to tear into the tear down, then realize later that you don't remember how the component came apart.
I am not scolding, just trying to point out based on personal experience, an approach.
Bob

[Tom Wesenberg]

Use your digital camera and take lots of pictures. Use baggies and label all the hardware and small parts.

[Tom Endy]

The whole front axle assembly can be removed from the car without too much difficulty. Put the car up on jackstands with the front of the frame resting on sturdy jackstands. Remove the front splash panel. Unhook the spring from the frame. You will also have to remove brake rods, shock arms, pitman arm, and the wishbone ball assembly. I see no reason to remove the engine.

I built a wooden jig that sits on a workbench that the entire front axle assembly sits in. From there it is easy to dissasemble everything without grubbing around on the floor or hurting your back bending over. I have it stored it the attic of the garage and haul it down whenever such a project comes along.

The front spring is not lethal as is the rear spring. There is very little static tension in it when installed. There is a front spring spreader, I have one and it makes the job easier, but you can safely improvise without one.

Les Andrews book will provide the information you need. With the wooden jig both disassembly and re-assembly can easily be accomplished. You can do the whole job including restoration of the spring, replace shackle bushings, king pin bushings, straighten the axle if need be, and replace all the worn spindle balls. It is also a good time to go through the front brakes when everything is bench high.

Putting parts and assemblies in plastic bags and marking them is always a good shop practice.

You will need a helper to remove the front axle assembly from the car and to re-install it.

Tom Endy

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

The front spring is not lethal as is the rear spring. There is very little static tension in it when installed. There is a front spring spreader, I have one and it makes the job easier, but you can safely improvise without one.

You will need a helper to remove the front axle assembly from the car and to re-install it.

Perhaps my front spring had sagged enough there isn't any tension left when the weight is off it. You can't be too safe with heavy springs.

My lift sure came in handy for install/uninstall.

[Rusty Homestead Fl]

I'm doing that job as we speak. As mentioned, Les Andrew's book made it simple. If you don't have access to it PM me and I can summarize it for you.

[Russ/40]

If you plan to pull the motor anyway, why not do it first? IMHO, your starting in the wrong place.

[VCS2]

Thank you all so very much, I know I have allot of research to do before I start turning wrenches!

[TinCup]

Great use of those drip pans.

Originally Posted by Rusty Homestead Fl

I'm doing that job as we speak. As mentioned, Les Andrew's book made it simple. If you don't have access to it PM me and I can summarize it for you.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

If you plan to pull the motor anyway, why not do it first? IMHO, your starting in the wrong place.

Good advise. It makes it so much easer.

[Tim B.]

Good advice as always from the Barner's. Some suggestions from personal lessons learned. Bought a 29 tudor this summer so went over mechanicals before putting it on the road. Before you pull the motor take a look at the shackles and see if the spring is above or on the axle. If its on it you've got a bit more work to re-arch or replace but better to find out. Also take a look at the axle to see if straight. brakes worked fine on my tudor's front end before I disassemled and found I needed to rebuild brakes & backing plates. Needed new wedges , pins. tracks, adjusters, & shoe relining. right side assembled no problem, when I put left side together service brake rod & brake actuator lever were way off. When I checked things out I found a bow in the axle. There was so much wear in the old parts everything fit even with the bow. Had to tear axle down again and remove it. Good thing I did apparently the impact sheared spring bolt & when I unbolted the spring ubolts & dropped the axle (very slowly per FB advice) I ended up with a pile of spring leaves on the floor. Straightened axle, new spring , new perches, new shackles & a nice old used hydraulic press later, front end is as good as day one. Get to know the car before you disassemble. You never know what you'll find. Be prepared for an adventure (& some new tools)!! Good luck with your project. Tim B.