Well I got the parking brake cable issue resolved by leaving the stock 56 Ranch Wagon one piece cable in place because they did have the same cable ends as those on the 57 rear. While things are apart I thought I would replace the bushings (front and rear ) on the leaf springs. This created another problem when I found that for some reason Ford used a larger diameter front leaf spring bushing in the Ranch Wagon than in the passenger car. The rear leaf spring shakle bushings are no problem. Why would they do this? I bought the new front bushings only to find that they are about 0.050" too small after I pressed out one of the old front bushings, which, by the way, did not come out complete. Still have the outer steel sleeve stuck in the spring eye. No one seems to carry the Ranch Wagon front leaf spring bushings, but I may have a lead on a pair. So, assuming I can locate a pair of these what would be a good way to install them? Freeze the bushing and heat the spring eye and then try pressing or hammering them in?

Thanks,

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID