Front Suspension And Axle

The front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface level without appreciably affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel is independently connected to the frame by a steering knuckle, ball joint and upper and lower control arms. The front wheels are held in the correct relationship to each other by two tie rods, which are connected to steering arms on the knuckles and to a relay rod.

All models have a front suspension consisting of cold springs that are mounted between the spring housings on the frame and the lower control arms. Shock absorbers are mounted inside the coil springs and are attached to the lower control arms by bolts and nuts. The upper portion of each shock absorber extends through a frame bracket and is secured with two grommets, two grommet retainers and a nut.

Side roll of the front suspension is controlled by a spring steel stabilizer shaft. It is mounted in rubber bushings which are held to the frame side rails by brackets. -The ends of the stabilizer are connected to the lower control arms by link bolts isolated by rubber grommets.

The ball joint is riveted to the outer end of the upper control arm and is attached to the steering knuckle by a castellated nut and cotter pin.
The inner ends of the lower control arm have pressed-in bushings. Bolts passing through the bushings, attach the arm to the frame. The lower ball joint is a pressed fit into the lower control arm and attaches to the steering knuckle with a castellated nut and cotter pin.

Rubber grease seals are provided at the ball joint sockets to keep dirt and moisture from entering the joint and damaging bearing surfaces. Also, all ball joints have grease fittings for routine maintenance.