Tech Question - '56 Belair Wiggle

Mike,

First of all I want to thank you for letting me ask a question.

This is my first time to your site.

I have a '56 Belair with an LT-1, 700R Trans.

This car did have a 454 in it when I got it.

Anyway, since removing the 454 and installing the LT-1, I am having problems with the rearend wiggling back and forth at speeds of 55 mph and up.

The car has a Ford 9" with ladder bar suspension.

I am wanting to remove the ladder bar and go back with leaf springs.

First of all can this be done, and I would like to keep the rearend I have.

I hope you understand my question and that you can help me out.

Thank you for your time

Doug

Doug,

If it were not for people asking us questions we would be out of business. The question we most like to answer is "Can I buy some springs?"

But we also answer other questions, like yours.

2 things come to mind about the wiggle:

1st - How tight were the u-joints on the driveshaft? The correct way to tighten them is to slowly turn the nuts until the lock washer goes flat, then turn 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn more, 14 to 17 ft./Lbs. max. Anything more than this will distort the bearings. If yours were tightened more than this, replace them, the bearing cups are distorted.

2nd - The suspension bushings, both front and rear. They were unloaded and then reloaded during the engine swap. This could have allowed them to take a different position and if they had excess wear, the looseness could be showing in the wiggle.

Unless extensive modifications were made to the frame, I see no reason why you could not go back to leaf springs.

Yes, you can buy both the springs and attaching hardware here.

To find the proper spring for your vehicle, go to our Tri Five Application Guide

The correct springs do vary by body style and duty.

You can order online here, or call / fax / email.

-Mike