Use gen3/4 Knuckles in gen1/2?

[SHO Continental]

Is it possible to use gen 3/4 aluminum knuckles in the gen1/2s?

Not so much for the aluminum, but because the bearing assemblies bolt in rather than press in. I've had a knuckle or two that either the bearing or the hub was pressed in wrong ruining the bearing. Plus it's makes it an easier job when you don't have a press at home. Just unbolt and install new bearing/hub assembly... if they were to work.

So is there anyone that's done this in a gen1/2? I believe the struts are the same diameter. Only question is about the lower ball joint size and tie rod eye locations. Or, if anyone has swapped in gen3/4 subframes and still had gen1/2 89-93 or 94/95 knuckles and they worked with the newer subframe?

Ideas?

 

[SinisterSHO]

Pretty sure this wont work. The gen 3 subframe uses a different control arm and all the mounting points are going to be different.

 

[St Louis SHO]

Nope, ball joint is in the knuckle with the stud facing down

- James

 

[SHODWN]

Well actually you are all wrong.. IN a way..

The knuckle will bolt on to the strut with no problem, and like Jimmy Boy said that the Gen 1-2 Arms have the ball joint built into them and fit into the old cast Iron Knuckles of the gen 1-2. While the Gen 3 Knuckles have the ball joint in the hub its self faceing downwards..

So if you tried this like this, it would look like a home video from st louis sho family reunion

Now I started some work before I finished the first subframe conversion in 03, useing some lincoln control arms (forgot the year) they look very close to the Gen 1-2 style but they are a tad bit long. I did muscle one into fit the the camber was so far off that you could not make it up some where.. after about three weeks of trying to figure it out so it would work properly I gave up and just made the Gen 3 conversion..

Plus IIRC I could not get it apart so in normal kirk fasion I burned it off the car, what a huge pile of aluminium goo that made.. Ill search for the pics I have of it and send them to someone that can post it for me.. Sure I made the first 5 Gen 3 conversions and yes I cant figure out how to post a pic!!!

it could be done, if there was a pro ay aluminium welding. But Im not sure I would trust it.

 

[SHODWN]

pics sent to MR.A and St Louis SHO to post.

actullay looks better then I remembered.. and more and more I think of it they were 97 conti arms... they are expensive if you guys want to play. or were anyway.

 

[St Louis SHO]

And, cmon Kirk, I cant help it looked like all the freaks were out when you came

 

[gmorrell]

It's been tried, at least once, maybe twice. I made the parts to adapt a Gen1/2 lower control arm to the Gen 3 tapered ball joint stud. It required gutting out the Gen 1/2 ball joint and using a custom-machined taper adapter, welding the adapter into the LCA, etc.

The result is that moving the ball joint upwards with the Gen 1/2 suspension components completely hoses the suspension geometry, the roll center is completely in the wrong place, the car tracks poorly and is very twitchy. PM DeaconBlue and ask about his experiences with this swap - he couldn't wait to get it off the car.

Not recommended. If you have a ******* for Gen 3 knuckles, just do the whole Gen 3 subframe and suspension swap.

 

[SHO Continental]

Thanks for all the answers everyone! Looks like I have to keep saving up!

 

[icemaneric]

If someone started selling a kit, or a GEN III subframe ready to bolt up, to the GEN I or II, I would be very interested in buying it.

 

[SHODWN]

Gary.. What if you have just a ******* with no specific thing wanted to resolve it?:wave:

as far as kits to be sold for this.. well its pretty easy.

Just ask

Ive been making them for a while, they are not cheap because of the clean up, welding and work involved..

In the next few months Ill have a few ready to go. I have to finish up My over the Northern boarder frame first which I have owed for a few months now. then i have to do an ATX one for someone..

What I really need to do is create a GB, so I can do 10 of them at once.

Keep an eye out over the winter. (well if you have winter where you live) I sure in **** do!

 

[SeanMc]

Gary.. What if you have just a ******* with no specific thing wanted to resolve it?:wave:

as far as kits to be sold for this.. well its pretty easy.

Just ask

Ive been making them for a while, they are not cheap because of the clean up, welding and work involved..

In the next few months Ill have a few ready to go. I have to finish up My over the Northern boarder frame first which I have owed for a few months now. then i have to do an ATX one for someone..

What I really need to do is create a GB, so I can do 10 of them at once.

Keep an eye out over the winter. (well if you have winter where you live) I sure in **** do!

 

[gmorrell]

Gary.. What if you have just a ******* with no specific thing wanted to resolve it?:wave:

Kirk, this is just for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwegzhXAqaQ

The above video is pretty much not work safe, K?

 

[icemaneric]

Gary.. What if you have just a ******* with no specific thing wanted to resolve it?:wave:

as far as kits to be sold for this.. well its pretty easy.

Just ask

Ive been making them for a while, they are not cheap because of the clean up, welding and work involved..

In the next few months Ill have a few ready to go. I have to finish up My over the Northern boarder frame first which I have owed for a few months now. then i have to do an ATX one for someone..

What I really need to do is create a GB, so I can do 10 of them at once.

Keep an eye out over the winter. (well if you have winter where you live) I sure in **** do!

If the group buy does happen, I might want in on it. Depending on the price range. I will make sure to keep a look out for it.

Winter what's that, oh that's when it gets cold and, rains right.