So I have installed new upper and lower control arms on my 62 Ranchero (manufactured in early 61 before the mid year suspension change) and the ball joints don't fit the spindles, as they are a larger shaft diameter. Ouch. I guess the simplest route is to look for new arms. Anyone have a better idea? (can't return the arms, held them too long).
You will probably have to bite the bullet and find/buy ones that will fit...Ford did "interesting" things with spindles in the 60s and I found out the hard way when switching steering to TCP rack-and-pinion on a '62 Ranchero that had V8 spindles from a '63 V8...the one year they used the taper like later Granada spindles...very confusing!
Are the ball joints fixed (welded or whatever) in the control arms? If bolted in like my '75 GT, then they could just be changed out. Or if pressed in, like the lowers on my 2002 Ranger, then it's a bitch but they can be replaced.
Thanks fellas. The ball joints are riveted, not bolted. The "skinny" originals very hard to find. I would be scared to drill out/ weaken the spindles, tho I considered it. Im going to order some supposedly compatible new arms with joints, and eat the loss on the current arms. If I knew then what I know now, maybe a disc conversion. But, this is meant to be a humble little driver, not a performance machine. I really appreciate all weighing in on my issue
You do know, when you replace ball joints you drill/grind the head off the rivets and the new ones bolt in - may be a bit less expensive than new arms (with the correct joints installed)
yes, Im told there's an Australian ball joint maker that sells what I need. If I can get replacement parts, I will likely rebuild the old arms. The newer style has 4 rivets; the older style has 3 bolt holes configured differently, so I doubt I can swap, but IF I find the parts, I will take a close look. I might be able to drill new holes, weld up the old ones, but placement would also be an issue
I believe its true learned that with the V8 spindles, you can't keep the stock 4 bolt drum setup, meaning new larger bearings, rotors, backing plates, shoes, hardware, drums, 5 lug wheels, etc. YIKES. I meant this as a modest little rustomod roller, not an endless money pit. If I could upgrade spindles but avoid a total changeout I would. If I'm wrong somebody please tell me!
Well you have found out that nothing is simple when you modify or even replace stock stuff...I have found that out too many friggin' times and $$$ adds up fast! I could say a lot of things but not knowing your budget it would be foolish...
You sir are correct on the spindle option. My more experienced buddies tell me this is exactly the solution. Thinking about it, Ford did not change spindles from 60-65 Falcon line, they just machined them to a different tolerance for the slightly larger shafts. Don't have an exact measure now, but we are talking thousandths. Looking for a reliable machine shop now, they seem to be a dying breed
Wow, you are on the ball (joint)! I'll be darned, there are readily available "tapered ball joint reamers" for $40 to $50 on Amazon. My internet search says Ford is typically 7 degrees. So this #&?$!! problem that had me tearing my hair out can be solved with a $42 tool. Thank you club members, this is an awesome turnaround !!
Well the best laid plans of mice and men. Got the reamer, which does a fine job of cleaning up the hole, but even using a half inch corded drill and meaningful pressure, it won't take out measureable metal from this hardened old spindle. However, I found a guy who has the 62-65 spindles with the larger holes, for a 6 cylinder setup. So the simple solution is the best. Thanks everyone for helping !
Don't know if you found all the parts you need, but a member here (Jim Ciontea) just posted in parts for sale his front and rear from his 6 cyl. 65 are needing a new home
thx, I did find some 64 spindles for 6 cyl, so it has the "big holes" for the ball joints and the correct tie rod hole.
