I've read a lot of the threads on LS1 brakes but I'm not sure why we don't do it a different way.

I spent some time in the junkyard yesterday staring at 3rd and 3th gens.. I don't see why it would be impossible to mount a LS1 spindle on a 3rd gen lower control arm.

The LS1 then has this HUGE arm for the upper ball joint of an ls1 upper control arm. I say cut it, and mount the strut there..

Prolly would need a plate or shim to get the appropriate angle, but, I don't see why folks havn't tried this ???


-- Joe

 

You would also have to compensate for the angle and length of the tie-rod section of the LS1 spindle in order for that to work with the stock steering on a 3rd gen. Length shouldn't be a problem since it could be accomadated with a longer tie-rod sleeve possibly. The angle I'm not sure.

Also I not crazy about using an adapter to mount a strut to a spindle. It does not seem to warrant a high safety factor. We are talking about the entire front suspension and steering here. Maybe if the LS1 spindle could be properly machined to the resemble the strut pad section of a 3rd gen then this idea would have higher merit.

Adding the LS1 brakes up front is not that different from adding 1LE's. I think your idea is an interesting thought but not as practical.

BTW, have any closer pics of the upper section of the LS1 spindle?

 

This is true.

But i'm trying to kill two birds with one stone here.

1) Upgrade to LS1 brakes
2) Change the tie rod location so the rack & pinion doesn't lose steering radius.

I've seen the threads on the LS1 brake mods, with the hub and rotor and all that.. I'm thinking that's fine with some folks, but I'm not gonna try to stop from 130+mph in the 1/4 every time with that bracket. The bolt is a little too close to the cornor for me, as pointed out in some of the threads..

I think the strut could attach to the 4th gen spindle with a heavy gauge metal adapter bracket bolted with 4 large bolts.

-- Joe

 

Yes, I was reading a post you added in a discussion about 4th gen rack-and-pinion steering conversion. I understand your thinking.

Maybe someone with enough time, energy, ingenuity, and resources to modify a 4th gen spindle will speak up. That is how a lot of these brake conversions ideas started.

 

I'm working two 24-hour shifts this weekend, but once I get off duty i'm gonna start measuring stuff. Theres a bunch of 4th gens in the yard around here so I can spend a few hours this week measuring various things to get an idea if its dooable.

-- Joe

 

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I realize that. I saw the posts on that. I also saw how CLOSE to the outside edge of the bracket the bolt hole must be for the adapter bracket for the caliper, and you know what? Fine.. Go ahead! I'm not trying to stop my car at 130+ mph in the 1/4 with that setup. I'm sure it has worked fine for many people. But I'm not doing it.

Also, I'm trying to correct the impropper location of the tie rod mount on the 3rd gen spindle, for us folks who have converted to a rack & pinion setup.

Also, keep in mind, converting to ls1 spindles would create a much faster steering ratio on a stock BOX setup too. I can't help but see that as being more ideal, and the decreased angle would put more effort into the system, so it would take out some of the "lazy steer".

To me, it seems as if it is much SAFER, and practicle to use the LS1 spindle setup, since the lower joint appears to be in the same spot - then just use the upper joint arm to mount to the strut. And if an adapter is neccesary, you can use a 1/2" plate steel adapter bolted to the arm, and bolted to the strut, versus what you guys rely on as a caliper adapter..

-- Joe

 

Just pertend I wasn't here.

 

Heh. No problem brother. Just trying to explain what I'm trying to do.

-- Joe

 

Why not fab an upper mount for a upper a-arm off a 4th gen and just do that?

I have an idea how to do it just dont have the parts to try it out.

Kat

 

I considered that, but I dunno if thats possible. Hrmm..

-- Joe

 

You could make a bracket like the 4th gen does and raise it or lower it to whatever height you would need.

Kat