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84-87 Cradle

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Old Sep 17, 2024 | 12:31 AM
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Default 84-87 Cradle

I'm considering switching my 1990 Engine-Suspension Cradle to the Early C4 design in my Autocross offseason. So, what do we know about them ? Is the 84 an early design that was improved in the later years ? I I remember correctly the Z-51 Cars have some doubler plates to strengthen them. So, is there any one-year that's better than another? I know somebody who has a complete 84 front suspension I can get. Other than the weird Sway bar ( that I won't be using) Is there any reason I shouldn't use it. Not sure if its a Z-51 or not but I think about 50 percent were. I'm planning on doing some strengthening to it anyway.
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Old Sep 17, 2024 | 09:38 AM
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I would think an '87 would be preferred and the '84 regardless of $$$ wouldn't even be considered. If it has the GM part # 14093126 on it I believe you could assume it's the latest version of the early C4 member. A later '86 and any '86 'vert should also have that GM#.


*** You could rule out any with these numbers I'd think: 14050090, 14044544 & 14093108

Last edited by WVZR-1; Sep 17, 2024 at 09:59 AM.
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Old Sep 18, 2024 | 09:29 AM
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It will be a while till I can have a look but now that I have some part numbers, I have something to look for. Just because they think it's an 84 doesn't mean that it is. Thank You.
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Old Sep 19, 2024 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
I would think an '87 would be preferred and the '84 regardless of $$$ wouldn't even be considered. If it has the GM part # 14093126 on it I believe you could assume it's the latest version of the early C4 member. A later '86 and any '86 'vert should also have that GM#.


*** You could rule out any with these numbers I'd think: 14050090, 14044544 & 14093108
Just curious, what changes were made to the cradle during the early suspension run?
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Old Sep 19, 2024 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 69427
Just curious, what changes were made to the cradle during the early suspension run?
Changes to the shock towers, addition of crossmember for Z51 builds and various supports/reinforcements.
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Old Sep 19, 2024 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 69427
Just curious, what changes were made to the cradle during the early suspension run?
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Old Sep 19, 2024 | 08:06 PM
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The early design uses a massive scrub radius.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-numbers.html
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Old Sep 20, 2024 | 01:11 AM
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true. but for autox / racing, front is better. no loss of camber at high steering angle.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1601280511
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Old Sep 20, 2024 | 10:47 AM
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After watching the Video, it looks as though I might be opening up a can of worms. It looks as though the 86-87 Knuckles will accept my 1990 Wheel Speed Sensors. But will my 13-inch J55 Brake Calipers bolt up to the Knuckles ?
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Old Sep 20, 2024 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Gale Banks 80'
After watching the Video, it looks as though I might be opening up a can of worms. It looks as though the 86-87 Knuckles will accept my 1990 Wheel Speed Sensors. But will my 13-inch J55 Brake Calipers bolt up to the Knuckles ?
There are appropriate brackets for the J55 calipers.
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Old Sep 20, 2024 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
There are appropriate brackets for the J55 calipers.
Maybe I can just use my 1990 Knuckles with the early A Arms.
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Old Sep 20, 2024 | 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by gale banks 80'
maybe i can just use my 1990 knuckles with the early a arms.

no !!
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
There are appropriate brackets for the J55 calipers.

I haven’t seen a set of those brackets in decades. You can probably find somebody to make a set, but it would be easier to just go to the C5 brakes.

I just don’t see the benefit for the average driver doing this swap to get to a Frankenstein setup.

Last edited by ChumpVette; Sep 21, 2024 at 04:37 PM.
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Old Sep 21, 2024 | 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by ChumpVette
I haven’t seen a set of those brackets in decades. You can probably find somebody to make a set, but it would be easier to just go to the C5 brakes.

I just don’t see the benefit for the average driver doing this swss as p to get to a Frankenstein setup.
but ..... if a person was insistent on it then I'd think @76LS1BIRD could provide either brackets. the OP can't use any of his '90 parts, shocks, spring and much other very different.
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