Complete Guide to Ford Falcon Suspension Parts: Restoration and Upgrades

Restoring or upgrading a classic Ford Falcon (1960–1970) is a rewarding project, but the suspension system often gets overlooked until problems arise. Choosing the right Ford Falcon suspension parts is critical for ride quality, handling, and safety. This guide covers what you need to know about front and rear suspension components, signs of wear, and how to select parts that suit your driving goals—whether you're aiming for a factory-stock cruiser or a corner-carving performer.

Understanding Your Ford Falcon's Suspension System

The Ford Falcon uses a traditional front coil spring and rear leaf spring setup. The front suspension is a double wishbone (short-long arm) design with coil springs mounted on the lower control arms. The rear uses a solid axle supported by semi-elliptical leaf springs. Understanding this layout helps you identify which parts need attention.

Front Suspension Components

The front end consists of upper and lower control arms, ball joints, coil springs, shock absorbers, a stabilizer bar (sway bar), and a steering linkage (tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm). Wear in any of these parts can cause wandering, clunking, or uneven tire wear. Common replacement items include ball joints, control arm bushings, and spring insulators.

Rear Suspension Components

The rear suspension relies on leaf springs, shock absorbers, and a panhard rod (on some models). The leaf springs support the weight and locate the axle. Over time, leaves can sag or break, and bushings wear out. The shocks dampen motion; worn shocks lead to bouncing and poor traction.

Signs Your Suspension Needs Attention

Even if your Falcon drives, worn suspension parts can compromise safety and comfort. Look for these symptoms:

• Excessive body roll in corners – sway bar bushings or end links may be worn.
• Bouncing or float after bumps – shocks are likely exhausted.
• Pulling to one side – could be a seized caliper, but also worn control arm bushings or a misaligned rear axle.
• Clunking or rattling over dips – often ball joints, tie rods, or stabilizer links.
• Uneven tire wear – cupping indicates worn shocks or loose components.
• Sagging ride height – coil springs or leaf springs have taken a set.

If you notice any of these, inspect the suspension systematically before ordering parts.

Choosing the Right Suspension Parts for Your Falcon

Your driving style and restoration goals dictate the best parts. Here's how to decide between original and upgraded components.

Original Equipment (OE) vs. Aftermarket

For a numbers-matching restoration, you want OE-style parts. These replicate factory dimensions and materials. Suppliers like Detroit Muscle Technologies or Falcon parts specialists offer rubber bushings, standard-rate springs, and stock shocks. For daily driving, OE-quality parts provide a comfortable ride and predictable handling.

Aftermarket parts offer improvements in durability or performance. Polyurethane bushings reduce deflection and last longer than rubber, but they transmit more vibration. Performance shocks (e.g., Bilstein or KYB) control body motion better than stock units. If you drive your Falcon regularly or enjoy spirited backroad runs, select aftermarket components that fit without modification.

Performance Upgrades

Upgrading the suspension transforms how your Falcon behaves. Common upgrades include:

• Heavy-duty or variable-rate coil springs to reduce nose dive and body roll.
• Lowering springs to improve stance and lower the center of gravity (but may compromise ride comfort).
• Adjustable shocks (e.g., QA1 or Viking) for fine-tuning damping.
• Larger-diameter sway bars to minimize roll – note that a thicker front bar without a matching rear bar can cause understeer.
• Reinforced control arms with polyurethane bushings for precise geometry.

If you plan to autocross or track your Falcon, consider a full tubular control arm set and coil-over conversion, but these require cutting and welding.

Key Suspension Parts to Consider

Focus on the components that most affect ride and handling.

Coil Springs and Leaf Springs

Coil springs support the front end. Over time, they can lose tension, causing sag. Replace in pairs. For a stock ride height, choose standard-rate coils. For a slight drop (1–2 inches), use progressive-rate springs that still offer good compliance. Leaf springs for the rear come in single-stage or multi-leaf packs. Replace them if the arch is flattened or the vehicle sits low. Add a leaf kit can restore height if the springs are still sound.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks control spring oscillation. For a Falcon, you have three choices:

• Standard hydraulic shocks – cheap and adequate for gentle driving.
• Gas-charged shocks (e.g., Monroe Gas-Matic) – reduce fade and improve response.
• Adjustable shocks – allow tuning for comfort vs. performance. For a street car, gas-charged are a good balance.

Control Arms and Bushings

Control arms connect the frame to the steering knuckle. Worn bushings cause alignment changes and loose steering. Replace the entire arm if the ball joint is integral or if the bushings are badly deteriorated. For budget builds, press in new rubber or poly bushings into your original arms. Polyurethane bushings require periodic lubrication to prevent squeaks.

Sway Bars

A sway bar reduces body roll. Original bars are thin (around ¾ inch). Upgrading to a 1-inch or 1-1/8 inch bar significantly improves cornering. Pair it with polyurethane end links and frame bushings for maximum effectiveness. If the car already has a rear bar (not all Falcons do), you can upgrade that too.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Installing suspension parts on a classic car can be straightforward if you have basic mechanical skills, but some jobs require special tools.

• Safety first – Always support the vehicle on jack stands, never rely on a jack alone. Use a spring compressor for coil springs.
• Alignment – After replacing any front suspension component (especially control arms, ball joints, or tie rods), get a professional alignment. Sagging rear springs also affect camber.
• Torque specifications – Tighten all suspension fasteners to factory specs. Many parts require final torque with the car's weight on the ground to prevent bushing binding.
• Corrosion – On older Falcons, fasteners may be rusted. Use penetrating oil and heat if needed. Replace all hardware with grade 8 bolts if they are damaged.
• Test drive – After installation, drive the car in an empty parking lot to check for noise, wandering, or pulling before hitting the highway.

Final Recommendations

For a reliable daily driver that retains factory comfort, stick with OE-quality parts. Replace all rubber bushings, shocks, and springs as a set. Brands like Moog (for suspension components) and Gabriel or Monroe (for shocks) offer reliable, affordable options.

For a weekend enthusiast who wants sharper handling, invest in polyurethane bushings, performance gas shocks, and a larger front sway bar. Pair that with good tires and you'll transform the car without breaking the bank.

If you're building a show-quality restoration, use original-style parts to maintain authenticity. Many parts suppliers offer kits that include everything needed for a full front-end rebuild.

Ultimately, the best Ford Falcon suspension parts are the ones that match your driving expectations and budget. Inspect thoroughly, buy from reputable suppliers, and don't cut corners on installation. A well-sorted suspension makes every drive in your classic Falcon more enjoyable.