49-54 Chevy Steering Knuckles
#1
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49-54 Chevy Steering Knuckles
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.
#2
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.
#3
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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
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
Last edited by DZAUTO; 12-25-2008 at 06:16 PM.
#5
Wouldn't you have to buy the dropped steering arms, too?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3AIT&viewitem=
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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).
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).
Last edited by DZAUTO; 12-28-2008 at 11:36 AM.
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Trivia - That design (non-adjustable solid tie rod on one side) was known as "Haltenberger" steering linkage, and was commonly used on trucks.
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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
It's hard to imagine that once upon a time that suspension might have been considered "state of the art".
Jim
#10
steering knuckle
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.
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