Modified Steering Knuckle

[IronFreak]

I'm not really sure how to start searching for what I'm looking for. I'm not interested in doing a rack change, I'm not running PS, I just want more clearance on the drivers side for my swap. The Stock e30 steering knuckle is just ridiculous, has anyone ever tried making something simpler that didn't;t take up so much space? If so point me in that direction, I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, just want something less overly complicated to save some space....

[JGood]

I'm not really sure how to start searching for what I'm looking for. I'm not interested in doing a rack change, I'm not running PS, I just want more clearance on the drivers side for my swap. The Stock e30 steering knuckle is just ridiculous, has anyone ever tried making something simpler that didn't;t take up so much space? If so point me in that direction, I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, just want something less overly complicated to save some space....

There's a few options. A few people on this forum sell complete steering shafts, which use Flaming River u-joints. Flaming River is really the only company selling the proper e30 spline joints (17mm, 54 spline). I made my own shaft using their joints (part number FR1963) and a 3/4" DD shaft.

Check the V8 swap subforum, one guy made his own budget steering shaft by combining two e90 shafts.

[F34R]

I used a die grinder and gutted the inside bottom of the U sections out to avoid binding. Then rounded and angled the tops to allow more clearance. I am using a 1.9 Z3 rack without powersteering. Do not have any pictures of the after work but here is my knuckle to give you an idea:

[iwantspeed]

depending on your budget and how much extra room you need this is an option.
be careful when ordering make sure you specify what steering column you have and what steering rack you will be using.

http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?products_id=459

[F34R]

I know it is an option...but 360.00 is a joke on something that can be solved with a polyurethane disk from Ireland Engineering. Then 15min grinding out the contacting points. I race that combo and never feel any slosh.

You can do the grinding with a HF die grinder and a carbide bit. I used a pneumatic IR 1/4, both do the job.

http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-suspension-steering/e30strcplr.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-die-grinder-with-long-shaft-44141.html

[IronFreak]

Wow.....thank you for the picture, that's exactly what I was thinking.....but I think I'll try making it first before dropping $360 bucks on it.....

[JGood]

I know it is an option...but 360.00 is a joke on something that can be solved with a polyurethane disk from Ireland Engineering. Then 15min grinding out the contacting points. I race that combo and never feel any slosh.

The point of the Vorshlag shaft isn't just to get rid of the rubber disc, it's to replace the whole bulky setup with something that's about 1/3 the diameter. And I think that's what the OP is looking for. The stock u-joints are just too big to allow room for certain engine swaps.

Which, OP, is why I recommended just using the FR joints with a DD shaft.

[F34R]

Somehow I missed that he is looking for more clearance. That e90 setup is pretty awesome though!

[IronFreak]

The point of the Vorshlag shaft isn't just to get rid of the rubber disc, it's to replace the whole bulky setup with something that's about 1/3 the diameter. And I think that's what the OP is looking for. The stock u-joints are just too big to allow room for certain engine swaps.

Which, OP, is why I recommended just using the FR joints with a DD shaft.

This is exactly what I'm aiming at. I'm doing a V8 swap of a domestic nature.....and so many have done this but do some crazy exhaust routing because of all the crap on the drivers side. Shrinking this up would help SO much in being able to drop the exhaust down and back on that side.

Thanks guys!

[IronFreak]

Side note......I've look through both of your builds.......so sick.

[Just Scott]

Just curious...

Why don't more people swap to the later, airbag car steering shafts?

It has a u-joint on both ends and a collapsible section in between. Is there something different at the firewall on the early cars that prevents this?

I ask, because the aftermarket sections are essentially just like the stock pieces from later cars.

[IronFreak]

I could see how that might work but this seems easier.

I'll be using these....



With this method.....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=273427

New steering shaft for under $50

[JGood]

Just curious...

Why don't more people swap to the later, airbag car steering shafts?

It has a u-joint on both ends and a collapsible section in between. Is there something different at the firewall on the early cars that prevents this?

I ask, because the aftermarket sections are essentially just like the stock pieces from later cars.

The problem is also the joints themselves. The Flaming River joints are smaller in diameter.

With my FR joints, I have ~5mm of clearance to the exhaust manifold. That's with the engine sitting still. I'm sure when the engine moves when I'm on/off the gas, that gets down to ~2mm.

The manifold already required a lot of work to clear the FR joints, getting it to fit around the stock joints would have been a challenge (at least with the e36 rack). When you're doing a project of this size, sometimes buying a quality, affordable, bolt-on part that reduces 10 hours of labor is just worth it!

[Just Scott]

Thanks - your pic answered my question, the firewall is different and the piece from the later cars probably wouldn't work.

The smaller parts are a huge benefit in your situation and make perfect sense.