Front Axle / Front Suspension: 53 55 Front Suspension

[clarkwd]

I'm building a 55 CK. I have a rolling 55 frame with a body on it, and the front suspension pieces from a 53. I'd like to use the 53 pieces if I can so I don't have to take the 55 suspension apart. What are the differences between the 53 and 55? Bill

[Alan]

There is a big difference. Use all the 55 brake parts that you can. The rest of the stuff is the same.

[sals54]

If you're building the CK as non-stock, then skip the stock brakes and go with front disc brakes.

[RadioRoy]

To answer the original question, the 53-55 front suspension is the same except for the brakes. the springs are different between 6 and V-8.

[Jerry Forrester]

To answer the original question, the 53-55 front suspension is the same except for the brakes. the springs are different between 6 and V-8.

I thought the king pins were different. Didn't the '53 sit 1/2" higher than the '55 due to the difference there? Or did I dream that?

[StudeRich]

Yes you dreamed that Jerry!

The '53 to '60 Lark/'61 Hawk, King Pins are all the same and have a 6 Digit Forging Number.

The '61 Larks and '62 Hawks got a New 7 Digit Forging numbered King Pin that allows about a degree more Positive direction, (Less) Negative Caster adjustment.

[Noxnabaker]

Hmmm... this sure interests me & there's 2 things I always wondered about in this case: Can you see the difference on the two different kingpins, & is there a picture of them compared?

[doofus]

The late model king pin is very noticeabley kicked out at the top.early is pretty much straight. Luck Doofus

[Noxnabaker]

"Kicked out at the top" as in kicked out from the center of the car? Wouldn't that mean changing the camber?

[Noxnabaker]

Okidoki, now I found an old thread on the subject & understand that the out-kicked top was with & the lowered kingpin & the reason to change the camber by the top was to get better grip in harder cornering.
Ofcourse !
The caster on the other hand...?

(I'm busy just now with toe-in on Josephine)

[Jerry Forrester]

Yes you dreamed that Jerry!

The '53 to '60 Lark/'61 Hawk, King Pins are all the same and have a 6 Digit Forging Number.

The '61 Larks and '62 Hawks got a New 7 Digit Forging numbered King Pin that allows about a degree more Positive direction, (Less) Negative Caster adjustment.

Okay. Forget about the king pins. How about the spindles? Were the early '53s different than the late '53 through '64. Or did I dream that too?

[bezhawk]

No Jerry, you're right. But the spindles are the 51-52 that are taller than the 53-up.