Front end Rebuild for F-85

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 23, 2023 | 07:42 PM
  #1  
Jake707's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 124
From: Bay Area CA
Front end Rebuild for F-85

Has anyone rebuilt the front end suspension on a ‘63 F-85?
mine feels like it wants to almost walk side to side going down the road above 40 or so. So I’m thinking it’s all original and time for a rebuild or upgrade? Not sure where to start.

few bad pics I was able to take













Last edited by Jake707; Jun 23, 2023 at 08:08 PM.
Old Jun 25, 2023 | 06:11 AM
  #2  
joe_padavano's Avatar
Old(s) Fart
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,829
From: Northern VA
Your suspension parts don't look that old. Before buying parts and tearing into it, you might want to check for slop in the ball joints. Also, pay particular attention to the idler arm, which is a weak link in these cars. And of course, check your alignment. What are those wheels and tires? That can also have an effect on how the car feels.
Old Jun 25, 2023 | 06:38 AM
  #3  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
Running On Empty
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,230
From: Earth
Evaluating tire condition is a good suggestion. First, evaluate the date code on the tires - any tire older than 10 years should be replaced. Tires don't age evenly - the sidewalls may age sooner than the remainder of the tire. If the sidewalls lose their rigidity they'll produce a soft, spongy sloppy feel. Second, evaluate if the tires have an "R" stamped anywhere (generally outside the are of the TIN). Retreads ("R") are fine w/in limits. Obviously they don't retread the sidewalls - only the treads. Therefore, be mindful if they are retreads the sidewalls have long been deteriorating before the treads begin to wear. Third, I believe I can see a "plug" in the left rear tire - very near the sidewall. A plug in itself is not suspicious, depending how long it's been there & what caused the hole to begin with - a puncture, manufacturing defect, etc. All around, tire evaluation is a good suggestion.
Old Jun 25, 2023 | 06:54 AM
  #4  
Sugar Bear's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,122
All good advice ^^^ Keep this in mind, without checking the condition of each part first the chance of actually replacing the defective ones is low unless every part is replaced, many of the replacement parts maybe of lesser quality than current ones and it wastes time and money.

Where to start IMO is as suggested, check for loose parts and replace as necessary, align it to specs and examine the tires.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BuckeyeF-85
The Newbie Forum
25
Mar 11, 2023 06:46 PM
Dutchop18
The Newbie Forum
14
Jun 13, 2021 11:34 AM
jposadas
Transmission
3
Dec 13, 2020 04:27 PM
war eagle
General Discussion
0
Apr 8, 2009 10:01 PM
cutlass66
Cutlass
0
Apr 18, 2006 11:11 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:48 AM.