The Ford Barn

bullyboy · 09-10-2019, 09:59 PM

Hey all.

I've pulled apart the lower control arm, shaft and bushes as it was all frozen up. Cleaned up OK and servicable.

Putting back together has me a bit perplexed - how do you tighten up the bush ends without pulling in the control arm ends, and thus binding the whole thing up?

Cheers,
Steve

34PKUP · 09-11-2019, 05:52 AM

What is a '53 "cussy"

flatford8 · 09-11-2019, 06:02 AM

I just did my ‘51 and the shop manual has a torque spec. Do you have or have access to a manual? I’m not sure if ‘51-‘53 are different......Mark

51 MERC-CT · 09-11-2019, 06:09 AM

The bushings are threaded into the control arm and should bottom out on it before any "pulling together" happens, then they are tightened to spec.

tubman · 09-11-2019, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 34PKUP

What is a '53 "cussy"

1953 Ford Customline (in Australia).

rotorwrench · 09-11-2019, 12:29 PM

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I made tools to hold them in position when replacing the bushings on the 1949/51 Mercury control arms. The are just adjustable support props to keep the arms centered with the inner shafts while installing the bushings. There were special tools for that purpose that Ford had manufactured by their supplier at the time which I believe was Manzel.

Since the bushings are threaded on OD and ID it can be somewhat difficult to keep the shaft centered and loose enough to rotate. The tools make it a lot easier but it can be done by trial and error. You just have to remember to keep the shaft as close to the center of the arm as is practicable. Put one bushing in first to get it to center then start putting the other bushing in while keeping an eye on the distance between the arm and how stiff the shaft is to rotate. When it's close you can play with it a bit.

bullyboy · 09-11-2019, 05:53 PM

Thanks all. Makes sense that the bushing threads into the control arm.

I think thats the problem - the thread on the bushing has worn completely away!

Indeed "cussy" is a Customline - I didn't realise cussy is an Australianism.

09-10-2019, 09:59 PM	#1
bullyboy Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 3	53 cussy Lower Control Arm Shaft Hey all. I've pulled apart the lower control arm, shaft and bushes as it was all frozen up. Cleaned up OK and servicable. Putting back together has me a bit perplexed - how do you tighten up the bush ends without pulling in the control arm ends, and thus binding the whole thing up? Cheers, Steve

09-11-2019, 05:52 AM	#2
34PKUP Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 794	Re: 53 cussy Lower Control Arm Shaft What is a '53 "cussy"

09-11-2019, 06:02 AM	#3
flatford8 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lyman,ME. Posts: 2,629	Re: 53 cussy Lower Control Arm Shaft I just did my ‘51 and the shop manual has a torque spec. Do you have or have access to a manual? I’m not sure if ‘51-‘53 are different......Mark __________________ I'm thinkin' about crankin' My ragged ol' truck up and haulin' myself into town. Billy Joe Shaver

09-11-2019, 06:09 AM	#4
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: 53 cussy Lower Control Arm Shaft The bushings are threaded into the control arm and should bottom out on it before any "pulling together" happens, then they are tightened to spec. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

09-11-2019, 12:29 PM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,431	Re: 53 cussy Lower Control Arm Shaft Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I made tools to hold them in position when replacing the bushings on the 1949/51 Mercury control arms. The are just adjustable support props to keep the arms centered with the inner shafts while installing the bushings. There were special tools for that purpose that Ford had manufactured by their supplier at the time which I believe was Manzel. Since the bushings are threaded on OD and ID it can be somewhat difficult to keep the shaft centered and loose enough to rotate. The tools make it a lot easier but it can be done by trial and error. You just have to remember to keep the shaft as close to the center of the arm as is practicable. Put one bushing in first to get it to center then start putting the other bushing in while keeping an eye on the distance between the arm and how stiff the shaft is to rotate. When it's close you can play with it a bit. Last edited by rotorwrench; 09-11-2019 at 12:50 PM.

09-11-2019, 05:53 PM	#7
bullyboy Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 3	Re: 53 cussy Lower Control Arm Shaft Thanks all. Makes sense that the bushing threads into the control arm. I think thats the problem - the thread on the bushing has worn completely away! Indeed "cussy" is a Customline - I didn't realise cussy is an Australianism.