Front Suspension & Steering re-assembly

Decided to use the original '63 coil springs.  Just needed some wire brushing to knock down the rust.

Cleaning up the knuckles and backing plates.

Installed the new Idler arm

Cleaned up backing plates and knuckles

Re-shot the wheelwells. Installing new dust shield/staples.

The new rebuilt/refinished A-Arms (uppers & lowers) came from Bairs.

Installed the upper & lower A-Arms

Installed the new front shocks

Assembling the new tie rod ends & sleeves

New vs. Old

Installing rebuilt relay rod

Reinstalled the front brake hoses.

Parts & Wheelwell clean-up. Rebuilt Steering relay rod...

 

Degreasing the steering center link relay rod

Sanding & prep'ing for paint

Removing the old/torn Dust shield from the wheel well

Primed & painted the Relay rod

Degreasing & cleaning the Steering Knuckles

We received the new front Coil Springs.  They sent the wrong size!  Grrrrrr.

Rebuilding the steering relay rod w/new springs & seats

All set w/fresh grease.

The wheelwells are all cleaned and degreased.  Ready for fresh wheelwell paint.

Front Suspension disassembly...

 

Front Suspension & Steering disassembled

Old Coil springs removed

Upper & Lower A-Arms removed

Old Relay Rod seal was "Toast"

Tie Rods removed

Castle-nut held in by bent nail.

Dropping the lower A-Arm

Coil spring compressor in place

Our new technique - worked great!

Separating the ball joints

Had to remove Alternator - to get passenger A-Arm out

Old front shocks

Tightened up the Rear Trailing arms

We reinstalled the rear brakes