Old Blazer

I understand using the steering knuckle support from the passenger car lowers the front end of the Vette. Has any one done this and how much does it actually lower it. I have seen ones from Fatman's but they lower the car from 2 to 2 1/2 inches and are more than I care to spend.

dazvet

I'm looking for a pair myself. Make sure you get them off a 54 (53 may work also, not sure) and I have been told to get the steering arms off the passenger car also (not sure why that would be necessary unless worried about a clearance issue). My information shows drop of 1" to 1 1/2". I hope you have better luck locating a pair than I am having, if you locate two sets let me know.

DZAUTO

The 53-54 pass car spindle supports is what you need. The 49-52 supports will interchange, but the knuckle for the kingpin is 1in HIGHER on the 53-54 version.
And, since we're on the subject, ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL the rebuild parts for 49-54 pass car frontends and 53-62 Corvette are the same. EXCEPT tierod ends. The Corvette uses 2 left and 2 right tierod ends. The pass cars only use 1 each (that's because the pass cars have a SOLID, 1-piece tierod on one side).

Tom Parsons

Old Blazer

Thanks DZAuto,
Just what I thought. Weather right now is not good for scrounging old junkyards but at least I'll know what to look for.

Loren Smith

Wouldn't you have to buy the dropped steering arms, too?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=

john neas

[QUOTE=Loren Smith;1568345710]Wouldn't you have to buy the dropped steering arms, too?

Not for the 53-54 GM uprights. You probably would for the Fatman uprights.
Regards

DZAUTO

Here is what I'm referring to when I pointed out that the pass cars only use one each of the left/right tierod ends.
As can be seen where the pencil is pointing, the pass cars had a solid, NON-adjustable tierod on the right side, whereas the Corvettes have adjustable tierods on each side.
This drawing is direct from the Chevy Parts manual, and it is specifically the 49-50 frontend, because of the small brake drums (Pass cars went to the larger 11in drums and Bendix brakes in 51, same size as 53-62 Vettes).

JohnZ

Trivia - That design (non-adjustable solid tie rod on one side) was known as "Haltenberger" steering linkage, and was commonly used on trucks.

jim lockwood

On Monday last I did approximately 40 laps at Laguna Seca in a car with this suspension architecture. Trying to get that car to corner smoothly and predictably was, quite simply, a baffling experience.

It's hard to imagine that once upon a time that suspension might have been considered "state of the art".

Jim

Tambo

You can use the 53 or 54 and it will drop the front by 5/8". That's all.
However when using used parts if the knuckle is worn where the king pin goes through you will have sloppy steering. I don't know if they can be board and sleeved