1957 Ford Fairlane Suspension Parts: A Complete Guide

Restoring a 1957 Ford Fairlane means paying close attention to the suspension system. The original components are over six decades old, and even low-mileage cars have aged rubber and metal parts that affect handling, ride quality, and safety. Whether you’re aiming for a factory-correct restoration or a driver-quality upgrade, understanding the available suspension parts and how they work together is essential. This guide covers the key components of the 1957 Fairlane’s front and rear suspension, the differences between OEM replacements and aftermarket upgrades, and practical tips for making the right choice for your project.

Understanding the 1957 Ford Fairlane Suspension System

The 1957 Fairlane uses a conventional independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. This setup was standard for full-size Fords of the era and is known for its durability and simplicity. However, rubber bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers wear out over time. Restoring or upgrading these components not only improves ride comfort but also ensures safe handling.

Front Suspension Components

The front suspension consists of upper and lower control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rod ends, and a stabilizer bar. Here’s what to look for when sourcing parts:

Coil Springs – Original springs tend to sag after decades of use, causing the car to sit lower and handle poorly. Replacement coil springs are available with stock ride height or slightly lowered options. If you plan to drive the car frequently, consider progressive-rate springs that offer a balance of comfort and control.

Control Arms – Upper and lower control arms can be purchased as assembled units with new bushings and ball joints already installed. This saves time and ensures proper alignment. If you prefer to rebuild the original arms, high-quality rubber or polyurethane bushings are available. Polyurethane bushings reduce flex for better handling but transmit more road noise.

Ball Joints – Moog and other brands offer direct-fit ball joints that match the original specifications. Look for greaseable versions to extend service life. Lower ball joints on the 1957 Fairlane are known to wear, so replace them in pairs.

Tie Rod Ends – Inner and outer tie rod ends are available from several manufacturers. Replace them if there is any play in the steering. Verify that the tapered studs match the steering knuckle.

Shock Absorbers – The front shocks mount through the lower control arm and to the frame. Gas-charged shocks from KYB or Monroe provide better damping than original hydraulic units without altering ride height.

Stabilizer Bar – The front sway bar reduces body roll. If the bar is bent or bushings are degraded, replace with a stock-diameter bar or upgrade to a thicker bar for improved cornering.

Rear Suspension Components

The rear suspension is a simple live axle with leaf springs and shock absorbers. Common wear items include:

Leaf Springs – Original leaf springs can lose arch and become inverted. New leaf springs are available from Eaton Detroit Spring and other specialists. For a stock ride, choose springs that match the original load rate. If you want a slightly lower stance or better handling, consider lowering springs with a moderate drop.

Spring Bushings and Shackles – Replacing the polyurethane bushings at the front and rear of the leaf springs reduces squeaking and improves axle location. New shackles and bolts are inexpensive and worth replacing.

Rear Shock Absorbers – Mount to the axle and frame. Use shocks with the same extended/compressed lengths as the originals. Gas shocks are a good upgrade.

Leaf Spring U-bolts and Plates – These are typically reused if in good condition, but new U-bolts ensure proper clamping force and are recommended.

OEM vs Aftermarket: Choosing the Right Parts

OEM Replacement Parts

If authenticity is important for a show car or concours restoration, use original-style parts from brands like Moog, Raybestos, or Ford reproduction suppliers. These parts look correct and maintain the car’s original ride characteristics. They are widely available and reasonably priced.

Aftermarket Upgrades

For improved handling, consider performance-oriented components:

• Polyurethane bushings – Install in control arms, leaf springs, and sway bar to reduce deflection.
• Heavy-duty shocks – Adjustable shocks allow fine-tuning for ride comfort or handling.
• Lowering springs – Drop the car 1-2 inches for a sportier appearance and lower center of gravity.
• Front sway bar upgrade – A thicker bar reduces body roll without major modifications.
• Rear sway bar – Not standard on 1957 Fairlanes, but aftermarket kits are available to reduce understeer.

Keep in mind that stiffer bushings and shocks will make the ride harsher. If you drive on rough roads, stick with rubber bushings and gas shocks.

Key Considerations for a Restoration

1. Check the Frame and Rust – Before ordering parts, inspect the frame mounting points for rust damage. Repair any issues first.
2. Replace all bushings at once – If one bushing is bad, others are likely degraded. Replacing in pairs or full sets saves labor.
3. Check ball joint and tie rod end taper – Some aftermarket parts have slightly different tapers; confirm fitment before buying.
4. Get an alignment – After replacing suspension components, take the car to a shop that works on classic cars. The alignment specs for 1957 Fords differ from modern vehicles.
5. Consider upgrading to disc brakes – While not suspension, many owners combine suspension upgrades with a front disc brake conversion for better stopping power.

Final Recommendation: What to Focus On

For a 1957 Ford Fairlane that will be driven regularly, the best value is a complete set of replacement bushings, new ball joints, tie rod ends, and gas shocks. If the springs are sagging, replace them with stock-height coils and leaf springs. This approach costs around $400-$600 in parts and transforms the driving experience. For a show car, use OEM-style parts and restore the original components with correct finishes. Avoid cheap off-brand parts that may fit poorly or wear quickly. Stick with reputable aftermarket suppliers like Moog, KYB, or Eaton Detroit Spring. With the right parts, your 1957 Fairlane will ride and handle as well as it did on day one—or better.