[flami408]

I am looking for a way to raise the front end on my 64 Falcon wagon. I have already cut shock towers back and welded so I would like to keep ball joint front-end. CAn anyone tell m where to buy or how to build some ball joint spacers. I was told Mr Gasket use to sell them in the 60's and70's.

 

[ProMetalShop]

Welcome aboard, glad you found us ! !
Yes they use to make ball joint extensions when using longer front coils. I'm not sure but maybe you could find some new old stock, ( NOS ) I haven't seen them in years, but honestly haven't looked......

 

[mmhotrod]

I am looking for a way to raise the front end on my 64 Falcon wagon. I have already cut shock towers back and welded so I would like to keep ball joint front-end. CAn anyone tell m where to buy or how to build some ball joint spacers. I was told Mr Gasket use to sell them in the 60's and70's.

found this on ebay but its for chevy. Maybe you could adapt.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ball-Joint-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item33805ef974&vxp=mtr

 

[OpelGasser]

I have also heard of "ball joint extenders" but have never seen a car using them.

I do have a friend (who I traded my El Camino for the Opel) who has a '62 Chevy that he raised the front end using "raised spindels".

As you can see the raised spindels got the front end "up there" gasser style. A real PLUS is the car rides just at it would with a stock ride height. NOT the case using other ways to get the front end "up".

 

[1937Austin]

found this on ebay but its for chevy. Maybe you could adapt.

Falcons are 4 bolt, while Chevy is 3 bolt. Here's a pair on Ebay for your Falcon:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-1-2-ball-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec6b38c28&vxp=mtr

Then you'll need to also get a pair of heavier springs to use the extra length. Still only get a couple inches with a spacer.

 

[mmhotrod]

Very cool Val. nice find. gotta love ebay
mm

 

[OpelGasser]

Very cool Val. nice find. gotta love ebay
mm

Having eBay whether it be "to BUY" or just to "CHECK" on "market prices". eBay has made building a "hot rod" easier and also quicker. There ARE DEALS to be found and also finding "hard to find parts" you never thought you could find.

Almost like we could put "thanks eBay" on the car.

I would be LOST without the convenience of the Internet/computers..... which has also made it possible too find "like-minded" friends here on the gasser hot rod forum.

BTW.... is a 1 1/2" lift enough for the work and money it takes to do it ??????

 

[1937Austin]

BTW.... is a 1 1/2" lift enough for the work and money it takes to do it ??????

It's probably not much work if he just had it apart to rebuild. With new ball joints already in there, it's just a case of removing the 4 bolts and lowering the spindle, then dropping in the springs and bolting in the spacer. Not much work, but as you mentioned, it's still only 1.5", and that will surely not even be noticed by most people. So regardless of how little work it is, it's very little gain.
My experience with frontends raised with ball joint spacers is they don't work as well as stock, or a straight axle. They are a compromise, and most guys end up either going back to stock, or taking the leap and going straight axle. So it's time and money invested that could go towards a straight axle.

 

[OpelGasser]

....... taking the leap and going straight axle. So it's time and money invested that could go towards a straight axle.

Right Vall.... I am sure you have done things over the years and once done you think "oh I should have did that instead"...... then one day turn around and do it anyway.

Takes a LOT of thought to do it RIGHT the first time.

So the question is "to DO or NOT to DO?????

 

[1937Austin]

I remember trying to get my '57 Chevy up in front in high school. I started cheap with screw in spring spacers. Lifted it up, but with 5-6 in each side it rode like a buckboard! Then I decided I needed ball joint spacers, (which were really cheap in 1966) so I pulled it apart and put them in along with a pair of coils from the junkyard. Raised it up even more, but rode pretty stiff still. I finally broke down and bought a '58 Chevy truck axle and put it in to get the front where I wanted and riding well. I was 17, and the only guy in hi school with a straight axle in his car! Thought I was hot stuff then!

 

[OpelGasser]

...... I finally broke down and bought a '58 Chevy truck axle and put it in to get the front where I wanted and riding well. I was 17, and the only guy in hi school with a straight axle in his car! Thought I was hot stuff then!

I bet it WAS "hot stuff".... you can be sure I would have been a fan of yours & your '57/!!!!