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Old 08-29-2021, 11:22 AM   #1
Bigmacmclaughlin
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Default 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

I did a frame cleaning and replaced all the ball joints, springs and the L/S spacer on the front axle spindles with new parts. The passenger side seems to have normal pivot movement, but the drivers side is very rigid and not pivoting with reasonable pressure. Is there a solution to this problem? Greasing the ball joints didn’t solve the problem. Adding the spacer on top of the spring is the only part added to the project, but it is a stock part that is included in the assembly process. If anyone has had this problem, please publish your solution. I want to get this Ford back on the road.. Thank You
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Old 08-29-2021, 01:43 PM   #2
55blacktie
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Default 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.
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Old 08-29-2021, 08:03 PM   #3
Bigmacmclaughlin
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Default Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

Thank You 55blacktie. Now I will look for a NOS upper ball joint and replace the L/S upper ball joint on my car.

I had bought a complete front end ball joint package kit from a T-Bird supply catalog and installed them myself with the body off the frame. I don’t know who the manufacturer of the ball joints was, but one ball joint could have been defective or didn’t seat properly and that may be my problem. I just don’t know for sure yet.
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Old 09-07-2021, 12:52 PM   #4
Bigmacmclaughlin
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Default Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

I may have over torqued the castle nuts on my axle spindles to tight! The information that I was given from a manual was probably wrong. When I loosened up the castle nut, the spindle had movement. Now I need to know where to get the correct information to properly set tension on the spindle castle nuts. (1956 Ford T-Bird)

Also, what are the best size and style grease fitting to use on the axle spindles? (1/4”-28) doesn’t fit.

“ KULTULZ,” I trust you have the answers and will share them with us all, but any senior member who has solved this problem in the past, please help me.
Thank You all!
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Old 09-07-2021, 03:16 PM   #5
KULTULZ
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Default Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

What was the BRAND NAME and COUNTY of ORIGIN of the joints? Did their instruction sheet give torque values?

The 1955 WSM (I never acquired a 56 WSM) gives 80 ft.lb upper and 100 ft.lb lower, then tighten enough to align pin hole.

The 1957 WSM gives a different value, 80 ft.lb. upper and 70-80 ft.lb. lower and further tighten enough to align pin hole.

All three years used the same ball joint so there may have been a SERVICE LETTER lessening the torque value somewhere. It may also be a good idea to replace the castle nuts as the threads may be stretched.

Do not grease until installed (for proper torque reading). After torquing check for free turn and up/down movement. Support bottom of spindle with floor jack to achieve proper torque and not stretch any threads.

As for the zerk fittings, the take-outs will not fit the new ball joints? Did the new ball joints come with fittings?
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- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

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Last edited by KULTULZ; 09-07-2021 at 04:46 PM. Reason: CORRECTION
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Old 09-07-2021, 03:24 PM   #6
55blacktie
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Default Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

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Bigmac, yes, the spindle will loosen up if you loosen the castle nuts, but I don't believe that's your problem. I torqued mine according to the specs contained in the 55 Service Manual. The driver's side is fine, but the passenger side, which has the aftermarket, Made-in-India upper ball joint isn't. According to the manual, the lower nut should be torqued to 100-foot pounds and "continue to tighten until the cotter pin holes line up." Use the same procedure for the upper ball joint, except tighten the upper to 80 foot pounds. It might also help to rotate the spindles back and forth while tightening. I would torque the nuts in increments, and make sure your torque wrench is accurate.
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Old 09-07-2021, 03:28 PM   #7
55blacktie
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Default Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

Your ball joints should have come with grease fittings installed.
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Old 09-08-2021, 03:49 PM   #8
55blacktie
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Default Re: 56 T-Bird (axle spindle) extremely difficult to move.

Big Mac, check your private messages; I just sent two.
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