The Ford Barn

Tom Endy · 09-25-2015, 12:34 AM

Over the years I have rebuilt a number of Model A front ends and I have noticed a difference in front shackle bushing outside diameter requirement in both the spring and the perch. Some use a thin-wall bushings, some use a bushing that is thicker in outside diameter.

Most front shackle sets come with thin wall bushings. If you order front shackle bushings from Bratton's they are thin-wall.

In order to accommodate those springs and perches that I have encountered that require the thicker outside diameter bushing, I ordered a quantity of rear shackle bushings from Bratton's and had the length cut down. The front perch and spring that require a thicker outside diameter bushing are the same as the rear shackle bushing, only shorter.

Does anyone know why there is a difference? Has it to do with the year of manufacture, or the particular suppliers Ford was using.

Tom Endy

RandyinUtah · 09-25-2015, 12:46 AM

I would think it was due to different suppliers

Bill in SoCal · 09-25-2015, 12:44 PM

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I would have thought that it was to makeup for wear in the shackle hole, but you would know that, so there must be another reason. Sorry, I don't know the answer, but I think I am about to learn something. And, that's always a good thing, Bill

09-25-2015, 12:34 AM	#1
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	front shackle bushngs Over the years I have rebuilt a number of Model A front ends and I have noticed a difference in front shackle bushing outside diameter requirement in both the spring and the perch. Some use a thin-wall bushings, some use a bushing that is thicker in outside diameter. Most front shackle sets come with thin wall bushings. If you order front shackle bushings from Bratton's they are thin-wall. In order to accommodate those springs and perches that I have encountered that require the thicker outside diameter bushing, I ordered a quantity of rear shackle bushings from Bratton's and had the length cut down. The front perch and spring that require a thicker outside diameter bushing are the same as the rear shackle bushing, only shorter. Does anyone know why there is a difference? Has it to do with the year of manufacture, or the particular suppliers Ford was using. Tom Endy

09-25-2015, 12:46 AM	#2
RandyinUtah Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 242	Re: front shackle bushngs I would think it was due to different suppliers

09-25-2015, 12:44 PM	#3
Bill in SoCal Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Claremont, CA 91711 Posts: 244	Re: front shackle bushngs Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I would have thought that it was to makeup for wear in the shackle hole, but you would know that, so there must be another reason. Sorry, I don't know the answer, but I think I am about to learn something. And, that's always a good thing, Bill