So I've begun working on the front end of the Ninety eight and have everything off. To my surprise I noticed that the upper control arm shafts and coil springs were not the same. On the passenger side, my coil spring was flat on the top where it engages with the pocket. On the driver's side, the bottom and top of the springs were the same.

On my passenger side, the upper control arm shaft was flat from end to end. On the driver side, it was flat where it engaged to the bolts.

Is this normal? Seems like someone got into the front end and didn't get matched parts...

Should I get new springs and shafts?

 

Mine was like this from the factory as well. Here's my theory:
From my experience, the flat cross shafts were usually used on B/C bodies, and the round ones with the flat spots were for the Cutlasses (g body). In an assembly line setting, when you're out of box A, It's easier to grab one from box B, or to use the round Cutlass one to soak up more shim space, if there was a lot.
It's easier to put in 3 shims than it is to line up a stack of 10 on an assembly line.

The frames came down the line marked with + or - from stock specs. Some have the left frame rail 1/4" higher than the other, and were outta whack this way or that.
They were shipped on trains with tensioned chains, lifted/dropped with forklifts etc. etc. before assembly, and nothing is perfect.

My 85 Royale came with 1 Royale door panel, and one Royale Brougham door panel from the factory. As long as they were maroon, they went on, during the last year. Had to use up all the parts.

 

It's also possible that your car has been repaired with different parts at some time in the last 27 years.

 

Another note: my springs were the same. Joe may be onto something with the spring repair. Do you think someone trimmed a coil to make it sit more level?

I put 1975 Ford Granada Ghia springs in mine. they are a tighter fit than the stock ones that tend to slide around a little and wear out the rubber cushions.

I have an extra Cross shaft here if you want a matching set, but I don't think it's a big deal.

 

That's what I'm thinking, too. I think a new set of coils for the front wouldn't hurt, but I won't worry about the shafts...

 

I didn't consider that, but the springs were the same height.