Steering Knuckle to Accept SRT hub and Brakes

[The1TrueOutlaw]

I'm still in the planning stages but I have a question for you guys. I have a Cuda resto-mod project and I'm looking for the best street suspension/brake setup. I was originally looking at one of the kits like the RMS Alterkation but it seems there is a lot of bad feed back concerning the longevity and changing the steering rack location to the front which causes affects the turning radius. Sounds like most guys are saying stick with upgrading the stock setup. So I'm starting to lean that route. Here is my current thought:

Tubular K-frame such as the QA1, and doing a kits such as the Hotchkis TVS or QA1 Level 3. In addition, in order to go to disk brakes setup I would need new knuckles. I am planning on buying a wrecked SRT for the 6.4L and TR6060 and would love to use the brakes, master cylinder, wheels (still on the fence if i want to go that big) etc. So I had a thought of have steering knuckles made that maintain stock ball joint and tie rod locations but can mount the SRT brakes and wheel hubs. This will obviously mean I'm stuck with larger wheels due to the brake size and the bolt pattern will be changing.

So my big questions are, does anyone see any glaring issue why this wouldn't work? Would anyone else be interested in these knuckles if I was to pursue having the designed/made? I'm probably years out from actually getting them made but if there is interest I'll certainly check back if/when I get around to getting them made.

[70chall440]

What are you going to use for upper and lower control arms? I dont know, but I would think ball joint matching would be an issue.

[The1TrueOutlaw]

What are you going to use for upper and lower control arms? I dont know, but I would think ball joint matching would be an issue.

I was planning on using aftermarket control arms that are direct stock replacements such as the ones that come in the QA1 "Handling Suspension Kit". So the new knuckle would accept the stock ball joints and tie rod while accepting the srt wheel hub and brakes.

[70chall440]

Well I might be missing something here (most likely the case) but aftermarket control arms for a Ebody would I imagine use ball joints for a stock E body knuckle (spindle); are these compatible with SRT knuckles?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Well I might be missing something here (most likely the case) but aftermarket control arms for a Ebody would I imagine use ball joints for a stock E body knuckle (spindle); are these compatible with SRT knuckles?

Sounds like it wants to make his own knuckles...which may be easier said than done. Have you had this type of work done before?

[70chall440]

You are correct, I skipped right over the part about having the knuckles made... my bad.

That said, I agree with Goody, I believe it to be much harder than it would seem. I am sure it can be done if you throw enough $$ at it, I'd just think there are easier solutions. Point in case, I made my own front (and rear) brake setup using Viper calipers while using factory knuckles. You just have to make a plate that positions the caliper over the rotor and attaches to the factory mounting points (assuming you are using knuckles that used disc brakes previously as they have the threaded mounting points). Not super easy but not all that hard either and I would think far easier than now knuckles.

That said, over at Pro Touring Mopar I have seen some pretty amazing things done.

[MoparCar]

Also,
Hotchkis is in the process of designing and prototyping a fabricated steel spindle. They have the Mustang complete and are testing it at auto X events now. Mopars are next. Not sure if they will open up easier big brake choices for us? Could be. They've confirmed on Instagram that they are working on them now. You can see pictures of the Ford spindle on IG.

Wes

[The1TrueOutlaw]

I very much appreciate your feedback guys. I'm certainly not married to this idea it was just a thought that popped up. Given that the SRT doesn't have a spindal (its basically a hub with a plate on the back with 4 bolts to hold it to the knuckle) I was thinking the machining wouldn't be that complicated. I haven't had any work done like this before so I'm definitely getting into something unknown here. My whole goal in this train of thought was to reduce the amount of good parts I get rid of that are basically paid for already. I can always sell them off and buy other parts, which sounds like in the end will be the cheaper route since from what I gather I'd have to have them machined from pretty high grade steel. And needing to use 20" wheels with the 6 piston brakes is definitely a turn off form me as well.

That said, I agree with Goody, I believe it to be much harder than it would seem. I am sure it can be done if you throw enough $$ at it, I'd just think there are easier solutions. Point in case, I made my own front (and rear) brake setup using Viper calipers while using factory knuckles. You just have to make a plate that positions the caliper over the rotor and attaches to the factory mounting points (assuming you are using knuckles that used disc brakes previously as they have the threaded mounting points). Not super easy but not all that hard either and I would think far easier than now knuckles.

I believe I started reading that thread about viper calipers. I'm going to take another look at that. I don't currently have a knuckle with mounts for disc brake so I'd have to invest in a pair, which is what lead me to wonder about the cost difference to have these made and using parts I already have vs. buying knuckles, hubs, brakes, master cylinder, etc.

Also,
Hotchkis is in the process of designing and prototyping a fabricated steel spindle. They have the Mustang complete and are testing it at auto X events now. Mopars are next. Not sure if they will open up easier big brake choices for us? Could be. They've confirmed on Instagram that they are working on them now. You can see pictures of the Ford spindle on IG.

Wes

This is great to know, I'll have to keep my eye on them. I wonder if that would lead to a new kit with a different geometry. I may hold off on buying anything till they put out more information on those.