Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Late V8 (1954+)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-28-2020, 09:20 PM   #1
poolplayer1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 399
Default 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

I was greasing all fittings on front end suspension parts and noticed that the steering idler arm has alot of play on it.Probably worn out bushings but I am going to replace the arm,not just the bushings since its an origional part and has been there for many years. Does anyone here have the oem part # for this idler arm that I can get so i can start searching for it. The arm is for a mechanical steering,not a power steering. Thanks for your help.
poolplayer1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 09:49 PM   #2
Dobie Gillis
Senior Member
 
Dobie Gillis's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Middle TN
Posts: 1,060
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Most of the usual suspect suppliers have 'em., Mac's Eckler's, Concours Parts, etc, etc. No part number needed, just use the search term 1955 Ford idler arm.
__________________
Often wrong but never in doubt.
Dobie Gillis is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 05-29-2020, 11:31 AM   #3
poolplayer1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 399
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Thanks for your reply and suggestions.
poolplayer1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2020, 01:21 PM   #4
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Quote:
Originally Posted by poolplayer1 View Post
... The arm is for a mechanical steering,not a power steering. Thanks for your help.
If you hadn't guessed already, the idler arm for power steering is most likely different. The one on my little '55 is.
.

Last edited by dmsfrr; 05-29-2020 at 03:53 PM.
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2020, 03:22 PM   #5
Dobie Gillis
Senior Member
 
Dobie Gillis's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Middle TN
Posts: 1,060
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Yup, they are. I think they have a different shape due to the different drag link on a p/s car.
__________________
Often wrong but never in doubt.
Dobie Gillis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 12:04 AM   #6
Daves55Sedan
Senior Member
 
Daves55Sedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Granite City, Illinois
Posts: 3,008
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Yes the manual steering idler arm is completely different from the power steering idler arm. You may be in for a shock. Last time I looked in Mac's, they were only offering the manual steering idler arm bushings, NOT the idler arm.
But, since the idler arm and bushing threads wear against each other, it is highly recommended to replace both, since the acme threads on the idler arm may also be worn.
Daves55Sedan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 12:11 AM   #7
Daves55Sedan
Senior Member
 
Daves55Sedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Granite City, Illinois
Posts: 3,008
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

I just looked in an OLD (2017) catalog from Obsolete and Classic auto parts in Oklahoma City.
They showed the entire kit with idler arm, both bushings, rubber grease seals and two grease fittings Part# B5A-3352-A for manual steering $43.95.
BUT, it has been my experience that when one vendor runs out of stock of a specific item, the other repro suppliers also soon run out of it.
Their toll-free order desk is 1-800-654-3247 and specifically ask if they have it in-stock.
Daves55Sedan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 05:29 PM   #8
poolplayer1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 399
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

I did find the bushings for idler arm but not the idler arm kit,which has the bushings and seals.I called or checked online looking for the arm but nobody has it. Obsolete said that its out of stock and might be 6 weeks or so before they get anymore. There is a guy that said he has the one for 63 ford but not the 55. Its my understanding that only the 54-56 will work on this wagon.I guess I will wait and just check every once in awhile with the different part houses. Thanks Daves55 for your help with this part and also the other guys that added their tips and suggestions.
poolplayer1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 05:52 PM   #9
Dobie Gillis
Senior Member
 
Dobie Gillis's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Middle TN
Posts: 1,060
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Try these guys:

https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/ford...umber=B5A-3352
__________________
Often wrong but never in doubt.
Dobie Gillis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 06:58 PM   #10
Daves55Sedan
Senior Member
 
Daves55Sedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Granite City, Illinois
Posts: 3,008
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

It might be a long wait. I ordered a new '55 speedo lens two years ago from TWO different repro parts suppliers. Still waiting.
Did you try Concours Parts, Dennis Carpenter, any of the other guys?
Daves55Sedan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 07:34 PM   #11
paul2748
Senior Member
 
paul2748's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Midland Park, NJ
Posts: 3,965
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Try Kanter in NJ
__________________
48 Ford Conv
56 Tbird
54 Ford Victoria
paul2748 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2020, 04:11 PM   #12
5851a
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 1,661
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Steering-Id...b7f881e7cfd676
5851a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2020, 04:12 PM   #13
5851a
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 1,661
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Only 1 left but with a price like that it may be available for awhile. Didn't see where it said manual or power.

Last edited by 5851a; 06-01-2020 at 04:14 PM. Reason: additional info
5851a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2020, 01:51 PM   #14
poolplayer1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 399
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

I did see that particular idler arm on ebay for $236.00.A little too pricey,especially when others like Cgfordparts.com has it for $39.00. Also,Obsolete ford in Oklahoma sells it for $41.00. I have it ordered.I don't mind waiting 4 weeks at that price.
poolplayer1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2020, 08:30 AM   #15
Merc Cruzer
Senior Member
 
Merc Cruzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Posts: 2,421
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Not sure if Mercury is interchangeable, if they are, here are a few part numbers.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCN9956.jpg (74.6 KB, 10 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9958.jpg (55.1 KB, 5 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9967.jpg (61.7 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9981.jpg (79.6 KB, 4 views)
Merc Cruzer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2020, 08:43 AM   #16
54vicky
Senior Member
 
54vicky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 586
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

without going down to look at mine (both a PS one and non)I do not think that is a correct idle on the bay typical.from memory there should be a dip in it (both)
54vicky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2020, 09:52 AM   #17
Hot Rod Reverend
Senior Member
 
Hot Rod Reverend's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Loveland, Ohio
Posts: 915
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

you need this...

https://the-hot-rod-reverend-s-class...thod_id=213483

very helpful manuals here!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg download page for CD files UDPATED.jpg (46.7 KB, 6 views)
__________________
Lancaster, California
Visit hotrodreverend.com to view hundreds of pictures and videos of the build of the 1955 Ford Club Sedan!
Hot Rod Reverend is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2020, 09:54 AM   #18
Merc Cruzer
Senior Member
 
Merc Cruzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Posts: 2,421
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Both
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCN9983.jpg (78.1 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9989.jpg (65.3 KB, 9 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9991.jpg (76.0 KB, 11 views)

Last edited by Merc Cruzer; 06-05-2020 at 10:02 AM.
Merc Cruzer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-08-2020, 05:09 PM   #19
poolplayer1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 399
Default Re: 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon , Looking for part ID

Thanks for the info Merc Cruzer. The idler arm in the mercury looks like mine but the part #'s are different.Mercury is 3355 and mine is a 3352. Maybe the overall distance ( width) of the 2 arms is not the same. Also,according to cgfordparts and obsolete ford parts,there are 2 different part #'s for the 55,one for the PS type and one for the manual steering.
Mine is a manual.Also,thanks to Hot Rod Reverand for the link to the cd and also to the other guys with their opinions and suggestions.
poolplayer1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:45 PM.