Front steer spindle?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 113
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Ok if you want to flip the calipers from front to back and the steering arms from back to front, I guess that is doable. The spindles themselves are identical right/left. The steering arms just bolt on.
Here are a couple pics of mine while I was cleaning them.
There is really nothing stopping you from just putting the entire assy on the opposite side.
The spindles do tilt rearward a little bit. That is the 2-3 degrees caster everyone talks about.4-5-6 is more desired but requires more rear spindle tilt, and new upper a-arms. Caster is caused by the a-arms but flipping the spindle around would cause the steering arm to be tilted 3-4 degrees in the wrong direction, up instead of down.
Make sure you check out what ridetech did too. They add an adapter to the front crosslink that lets them change the inner pivot point of the tire rod. That is basically what you would need to do with the rack -n-pinion. That inner joint must be in the right spot.
Here are a couple pics of mine while I was cleaning them.
There is really nothing stopping you from just putting the entire assy on the opposite side.
The spindles do tilt rearward a little bit. That is the 2-3 degrees caster everyone talks about.4-5-6 is more desired but requires more rear spindle tilt, and new upper a-arms. Caster is caused by the a-arms but flipping the spindle around would cause the steering arm to be tilted 3-4 degrees in the wrong direction, up instead of down.
Make sure you check out what ridetech did too. They add an adapter to the front crosslink that lets them change the inner pivot point of the tire rod. That is basically what you would need to do with the rack -n-pinion. That inner joint must be in the right spot.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 889
From: South Western Ontario
It isn't the caster that changes. the comment was that the caster causes the steering arm to point downwards when facing backwards and upwards when facing forwards. But, that doesn't really matter if you're making a new arm.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 113
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Opps, misread/got your statement crossed in my mind.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 29
From: Moyock NC
For what it is worth the C4 engine cradle unbolts from the C4 frame. The engine cradle is what the rack and pinion mounts to along with the upper and lower control arms mount to. I know this because I had a custom front clip made for my 57 Chevy made by ChevyNut over at the trifive forum. I have never compared the C3 and C4 frame specs but it may be a way to get a little more modern front suspension.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 113
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
For what it is worth the C4 engine cradle unbolts from the C4 frame. The engine cradle is what the rack and pinion mounts to along with the upper and lower control arms mount to. I know this because I had a custom front clip made for my 57 Chevy made by ChevyNut over at the trifive forum. I have never compared the C3 and C4 frame specs but it may be a way to get a little more modern front suspension.
What width did you have your front suspension made for (stock C4 width or the 57 Chevy width)?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 29
From: Moyock NC
I've actually got a complete front and rear suspension (with frame rails) from an 86 C4 sitting in the side yard. The plan was to graft the C4 suspension into the C3, but I thought I might as well look at ALL options before I start hacking on my C3 frame. It's a lot easier to ask questions than it is to undo a cut.
What width did you have your front suspension made for (stock C4 width or the 57 Chevy width)?
What width did you have your front suspension made for (stock C4 width or the 57 Chevy width)?
Who knows with the C3 maybe there would not be a lot of grafting frame rails perhaps you could get by by just grafting in or the engine cradle. The C4 engine cradle is awesome.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 113
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Well actually both widths are used. Let me explain. The custom frame rails were built the same as the 57 frame. The C4 and 57 Chevy frames are very close to the same size so basically the engine cradle was unbolted from the C4 frame and welded into the custom rails. Once the cradle is welded into the correct location the front suspension is in the correct location the rack and bolt right in and allows for affordable aftermarket parts. You have the option to use the C4 uni-spring or upgrade to coil over shocks. I opted to upgrade to coil over.
Who knows with the C3 maybe there would not be a lot of grafting frame rails perhaps you could get by by just grafting in or the engine cradle. The C4 engine cradle is awesome.
Who knows with the C3 maybe there would not be a lot of grafting frame rails perhaps you could get by by just grafting in or the engine cradle. The C4 engine cradle is awesome.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 29
From: Moyock NC
Here is a pic I found online this is the exact clip I have. Also found his webpage where you can read more on the C4 cradle etc. You will have to copy and paste it into your browser and delete the space , but I am sure you can get to the site.
classicedgedesigns .com/home.html
Last edited by 80-Vette; Jun 3, 2021 at 09:44 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 29
From: Moyock NC
The link I gave has better pics and info about the cradle K-Member than I would ever be able to tell give you. I have met Laszlo and even though you are not building a trifive I am sure he would be willing to answer any questions you could possibly have about c4 conversions.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 113
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
The 57 is still a project but I will take some pics. I will have to do some organizing of the garage and snap some pics. I work all weekend so I doubt I will be able to get any this weekend but I will get you some. Trust me I understand why you want to investigate before you jump in. It was about a year after I had the clip before it was ever grafted in. I ended up getting a hot rod shop cut my 57 and weld in the clip I was so worried I would do something wrong.
Here is a pic I found online this is the exact clip I have. Also found his webpage where you can read more on the C4 cradle etc. You will have to copy and paste it into your browser and delete the space , but I am sure you can get to the site.
classicedgedesigns .com/home.html
Here is a pic I found online this is the exact clip I have. Also found his webpage where you can read more on the C4 cradle etc. You will have to copy and paste it into your browser and delete the space , but I am sure you can get to the site.
classicedgedesigns .com/home.html
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 331
Likes: 29
From: Moyock NC
Yes the factory C4 cradle was welded in the custom made rails. The trifive conversion requires the stock stock frame rails be removed and the custom front clip be installed in it's place. That may not be required for a C3 to C4 conversion but I have never measured the differences between the frames, The C4 fame is only a few inches narrower so it can be used, Not really sure if the C4 is narrower than the C3 if it is it could be a good candidate for such an undertaking.. On the other hand if it wider it would likely be more work than it would be worth.