Hi, I'm new to the buick field and i own a 57 4 drht century...i was wondering if a 58 front suspension can be used on a 57...no air ride
suspension swap fyi; the 57 buick suspension was a design for 1 year only. so you can't interchange the parts. bob m.
While it's true that the front suspension on the '57 is unique to that year, I had always felt that there was at least a chance that the complete upper and lower A-arm assemblies could be swapped from a '58. I have found that the front spring crossmember for the '57 has a different part number than the '58, but I've never studied the two cars closely enough to be able to know what the differences would be. While I still feel it may be possible to do an A-arm swap, it may not be a simple procedure.
57 front suspension I just bolted the complete front suspension from a 59 buick on my 57 special and it was a direct bolt on. You have to use the 59 spindles and at least the bottom control arm from the 59. upper is optional but the balljoints for the 59 were only $59 at my local carquest. Direct bolt on
If you are going to change the front suspension, go with the later unit. 57 was the first year for ball joints, and they are VERY EXPENSIVE ($200+) each. They are also difficult to find There are a number of rebuilders, but the rebuilts don't last long.
Re: 56 versus 57 versus 58 front suspensions I have read the posts regarding changing 57 front (A arms) control arms to the later 59/60 style to overcome expensive ball joints. Can anyone tell me if 56 arms would interchange with the 59/60 arms, or would 56 and 57 arms interchange if I swapped the spindle as well. I am really questioning whether I can remove the 56 arms and bolt on 57 or later arms. Are the mounting location and style the same on the crossmember? Any advice appreciated. Thanks Ross Wildbore
Re: 57 front suspension Could you please send me an Email to gearhead46@centurytel.net. I would like to talk to you about how you did your 57 suspension conversion to a 59. I see that the upper A arm interferes with the frame rail and I don't see how to overcome this interference. I would like to give you a call to discuss it.
Re: 57 front suspension I'm with gearhead46. I certainly would be interested in more details/pictures. Thanks you, Gary
