Suspension

With the engine out of the way it was time to concentrate on the suspension and frame. I want the steering and suspension to be tight so I planned on checking and replacing any bushings that needed it. Well it turned out that they all needed replacing. The front spring hanger bushings were beyond gone and the hangers themselves were worn. I was able to order new front hangers for the front springs from LMC truck (http://www.lmctruck.com/) and Macs (http://www.macsautoparts.com/). I could not find new rear front spring hangers. They were not available anywhere that I searched. I ended up taking the old ones to a local welding and machine shop and they rebuilt them. I also discovered that the front springs were not a matched set. One had apparently been replaced somewhere in the life of this truck so I ended up buying a new set of front springs. I had the kingpins pressed out and replaced by the same welding and machine shop. The tie rod, tie rod ends, drag link and pitman arm were also replaced. The rear suspension was in better shape but is also much simpler. I replaced the spring and shackle bushings as well as dismantling the springs and cleaning and lubricating between the leaves. All of the parts were cleaned and refinished using Eastwoods(www.eastwood.com ) frame and suspension restoration kits.