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EFV-8 Club Forum / 1940 Ford Discussion / Front suspension-Needle bearings or bushings?

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Discussion Topic: Front suspension-Needle bearings or bushings?

gwistrup

04-17-2025 @ 8:09 AM

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I'm in the process of freshening the front suspension of my 1940 Tudor. The front spring is sacked out and I'm taking it to my local spring shop for refurbishment. While the spring is out, I plan on doing the king pins. I noticed that Speedway Motors has a needle bearing kit to replace the bushings. The cost is more for this kit but after I pay the machine shop to ream the new bushings, the price would be about the same. Is the needle bearing kit a better repair or are the parts imported low quality cr*p that will wear out in 500 miles?

kubes40

04-17-2025 @ 1:34 PM

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I would never have a spring re-arched, especially by a local shop. All they do is press a "curve" back into the spring with no regard to how much was designed into the spring.
That re-arcing is what we used to call jerry rigging.
Don't be too surprised if that spring goes back to "flat" in a year or so.

I'd strongly suggest you install new bronze bushings in your spindles. Have the machine shop line hone them. About $75 labor, these will last for years upon years.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

gwistrup

04-18-2025 @ 6:36 AM

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Their plan was to add one leaf and leave the rest alone. This brings up the question about where to get a decent front spring. I have no confidence in the quality of the aftermarket parts out there. I bought a fuel pump rebuild kit that failed in two years and I installed some new rubber seals between the bumper brackets and fenders last fall that split over the winter. The bumper bracket seals didn't last four months! I have been through 4 reproduction OEM style exhaust hangers and I need two more. The coat hanger I used to hold the tailpipe up is holding just fine. It seems as though the 85 year old parts are still better than the new stuff . I used to replace items "while I was in there". Now I think carefully about what new parts I purchase. If you believe that bushings are better than the needle bearings, where should I get them? It would be nice if they would last as long as the originals. Thank you for listening to my rant, Gil.

51504bat

04-18-2025 @ 6:47 AM

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Fred at Southside Obsolete may have a NOS spring.
https://southsideobsolete.com/
Another source is Eaton Detroit Spring. They've been around for ever. I bought the springs for my '54 Ranch Wagon from them. Spot on.
https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

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37RAGTOPMAN

04-18-2025 @ 8:04 AM

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HI
go with the brass bushing,
about 2 years ago, I bought a NOS FRONT SPRING from
SOUTHSIDE OBSOLETE call FRED WILLNER 1 507 332 6739
hope this helps. 37 Ragtopman,Maine

kubes40

04-18-2025 @ 10:09 AM

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Fred no longer has springs.

The bushings are not (soft) brass. They are (hard) bronze.

That spring shop does not know what they are doing. Adding a leaf? Really?

Eaton Spring of Michigan can and will provide you with a correct spring. They will taper the individual leafs as well if you desire.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

gwistrup

04-18-2025 @ 5:15 PM

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I will call Eaton Spring and I will go with the bronze bushings. Who is the best source for the bushings? Thank you, Gil

trjford8

04-19-2025 @ 7:47 AM

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Most of the V-8 parts suppliers should have the bushings. If it were me I would buy a complete kit with the new pins and bearings.

carcrazy

04-19-2025 @ 12:49 PM

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Dennis Carpenter has everything you need to replace your king pins and bushings.

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/trucks/steering/king-pin-sets/78-3111-king-pin-bolt-kit

gwistrup

04-20-2025 @ 8:03 AM

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I saw the kit at Dennis Carpenter. It says "Made in the USA" so that gives me a little more confidence. Thank you.

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