1951 Dodge D39 Front End Rebuild Complete

[RobertKB]

Today I wrapped up the rebuild of the front suspension and steering. First picture shows the front end before work began. The remaining pictures show the finished project. All parts were removed, cleaned and inspected. I still need to put in most cotter pins as I will do a final sequence of tightening when I do the brakes. I aslo did one side at a time so I always had the other as a guide in case I forgot something. I took a lot of pictures as well.

 

A mixture of a lot of new parts and very good used parts was used. I found some of the modern replacement parts had more plaly than the originals so some very good used OEM parts are in the rebuild. King pins and tie rod ends were some of the new parts.The steering box was taken apart, cleaned, and inspected. Worm and sector were good and re-used as were the bushings. One bearing was replaced with the other being good. A new neoprene seal was used in the steering box to stop the prolific leak it had. All adjustments were done as suggested in the manual and steering seems very smooth. Drums were turned and new races and bearings installed. I did get the shoes relined when the drums were turned and will resleeve all cylinders and put in new lines and hoses.  The brake system is another project totally.

 

I have cleaned the car underneath and the next project is the reassembly of the rear axle. I have all new bearings, seals, and gaskets ready to go. I hope to have a rolling chassis within a month. I will not tighten the rear drums too tightly until all new cylinders and shoes have been replaced.

 

Next project is an engine rebuild. To be continued.

 

 

 

 

Edited January 18, 2015 by RobertKB

[MarcDeSoto]

That looks like awesome work on that front end.  I'm doing the same thing to mine now, but my engine is in.  My king pins seem solid as a rock with zero play.  I'm assuming they were replaced before I bought it.  The tie-rods look like difficult things to work on.  I know you need some special tools to do them.  Good luck! 

[Andydodge]

Marc........dunno about any special tools to work on the tie rods.......you can use a special puller or just a large hammer and a tie rod tool.........or larger hammer, couple of quick sharp wacks beside the tierod taper and its outa there.........works every time for me........andyd

[RobertKB]

Like Andy said about the tie rods. Take a couple of big hammers. Place one against the tie rod and wack the other side a couple of times. Reverse and do the other side. Repeat if necessary. I usually replace the castle nut with an ordinary one and thread it on just far enough to cover the end of the threads and give it a couple of sharp wacks,,,,,,,,,,,,and voila, there it is. You can use a specialty tool as well but not really necessary. I replaced my king pins as there was some slight wear in there but probably could have left them. If you have no play, no need to replace. As mentioned, although the big majority of the parts I used were new, there are a few used parts that were in excellent shape.  

[pflaming]

My 53 plymouth is next. I like the do one side at at time methodology. Nice work, the front takes all the first dirt, mud, etc.,so it is always a dirty mess when restoring. It's enjoyable to put a rebuilt engine into a nice clean "bed".