Rhapakatui Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 I got some lower control arms for my build from eBay a while back. They're cheap chinese junk, but should do the job for the least $. The ball joints that they came with consist of 3 parts. Ball joint proper; cone shaped piece; and long shanked tapered bolt with crown nuts in each end. Thing is, I think they sent me the wrong tapered bolt. I ordered them for an s14 (spindles that I am using), but it appears that they sent them for a 300zx. I only say this because the taper on the bolt fits perfectly with the Infiniti J30 spindles that I have, but is too large for the s14 spindles that I plan to use. I'd rather not bother dealing with the company that I got them from as they seem like eGay douche nozzles, but if I have to I will. I don't have any precision machining tools, but I do have various grinders. My question is: Would it be okay to taper the bolt a bit more with a grinder and/or hone out the spindle with a die grinder to make these work? I understand that certain parts have very tight clearances that must be held.... I'm just not sure if this is one of those times. I figure if I do it by hand, I can get it close enough for a fairly tight seat, but it won't be perfect, I could also take it to a local machine shop if that would be better. Thanks for any opinions or expert advice. Jerm Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 The taper is a precision lock fit. I've never heard of anyone grinding them before. The steering arm (knuckle arm) fastens to that ball joint. Not the spindles. So why not just use the J30 steering arms? The S14 strut/spindle will bolt to either J30 or S14 steering arms. Quote Link to comment
Rhapakatui Posted January 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Sorry, I've heard them called spindles and knuckles. I didn't know which was correct. I'm switching to s14 knuckles so that I can bolt on coilovers, which I've already purchased as well. I was hoping to have it all bolted up this weekend. So your opinion is get the people to send the right part. Do not attempt to retaper the bolt. Correct? Quote Link to comment
I'm BLUE Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Correct ... you need the right part re-sent to you or purchased one from another location if need be :) Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 For the benefit of newbies who may happen to read this thread, here are some further descriptions. Spindle -- "a rod on which something turns" On a Datsun, the spindle is one piece welded to the strut housing. Steering Arm turns the wheels. Also known as a "Knuckle arm". Strut/Spindle assembly bolted to the Steering Arm Steering Arms attached to the Ball Joints (new 510 pictured) 1 Quote Link to comment
]2eDeYe Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 +1 for excellent tech post :D Quote Link to comment
Laecaon Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 these are called what then? I have never known. Notice 1 piece. Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Those are spindles. Probably for a non-Mcpherson strut car. Are they Datsun pickup? McPherson struts don't have to have integral spindles, some have the strut bolted to the spindle. Quote Link to comment
Laecaon Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Those are spindles. Probably for a non-Mcpherson strut car. Are they Datsun pickup? McPherson struts don't have to have integral spindles, some have the strut bolted to the spindle. Those are S14 front spindles... Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 Ah, S14 -- post-Datsun Fords are like these too, strut separate from spindle Quote Link to comment
Rhapakatui Posted February 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Contacted the seller. He suggested that I modify the knuckles. I'm sending the arms back a getting s14 ball joints to use with my factory LCAs. Quote Link to comment
]2eDeYe Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 Ya I wouldn't modify the knuckles/spindles too much. They hold the car (well truck in your case) up. Quote Link to comment
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