Suspension, Front and Rear - Illustrations & Pictures

[Jason Edge]

Suspension Illustrations from Shop Manual
(Click on Pictures to Enlarge) 

1963-64 FRONT SUSPENSION

1963 Rear Suspension
(Note Difference in Control Links for 1964 below)

1964 Rear Suspension

Below Are More Front and Rear Suspension Component Pictures from the Shop Manual:

1963 Rear Lower Control Link
(again, Note difference from 1964 Rear Lower Control Link below)

1964 Rear Lower Control Link

[Clovis]

Excellent reference material for those about to embark on a total front or rear suspension rebuild. Notice the rear upper yoke and its position once installed. If you put the ball joint in upside down the yoke will almost fit. Do not make this mistake as you will fight for an hour trying to get the nut on the ball stud to no avail.

Please don't ask how I know this tidbit of information!

[Kim K Kaiser]

what would be your reason for rebuilding this... understand, i am complete novice,, what parts would you be trying to repair if you were doing a rebuild.  What would be going wrong ?

[Jason Edge]

The bushings, ball joints, shocks, coil springs and other moving parts of the suspension physically wear out and need to be replaced over time.  This can cause tire wear, steering and handling issues, which in turn can become dangerous especially with these larger heavy older cars. Items that often get replaces are shocks, coil springs, upper and lower ball joints, upper and lower control arm bushings, tie-strut bushings, idler arm, center link, and tie rods. I replaced all of my front end suspension components about 10 years ago on my 64 CDV, and it went from a very hard to handle, loose car, that drifted all over the place to one I can now drive anywhere with one finger... and on bias ply tires! 

[Norman Silverman]

Question: I want to purchase upper control arm bushings for my 64 with AC. There are two sizes sold; 1 7/8 outside diameter and 1 1/2 outside diameter. I am going to assume the bigger bushings were installed in cars with factory AC. Is that correct or was there just a mid year change?

Thanks

[Jason Edge]

As far as I can tell they had nothing to do with AC or non-AC and do not know the rhyme or reason just that you find either size on the cars. You need to measure the outer diameter of the sleeve the bushing fits as seen in the illustration below which shows a 1 1/2".  You can use a caliper, open end wrench (if you have one big enough) or an adjustable wrench and measure tape.

[Norman Silverman]

Thanks

[Tony and Ginny 429]

When you say drive with one finger that is so very true
I do the same thing and it makes this heavy car seem so much lighter and agile than it Should ever be otherwise

Don't you just love the feel of your 63-64 rolling down the road driving with one finger

Enjoy

[Sergio Rivera]

Hello Guys, I'm looking for a 1963 Coupe Deville 2 door lower right suspension control link. Any suggestions in Houston Texas? Or anywhere else. I figured Houston was a booming oil city and must of enjoyed these Caddy's in large amounts. thanks for your time and effort.

[Jason Edge]

I have VG rear lower 63 control links for $50 + s/h.  If interested email me at [e-mail] with shipping address.

[Anders]

There is another option available lately. Russ Austin is manufacturing a new control link with a better bushings than original. Read this post before you decide:

Testing new rear lower control arms.

[Tony and Ginny 429]

I think  Russ will be able to help you with the part right here 

He is in Austin and should be along shortly 

Enjoy 

[Anders]

Tony.

Russ family name is Austin. He does not live in Austin or in Texas. Russ Austin that posts great help/suggestions and sell parts on this site lives in Arizona.