Front Steering Knuckles on an early A Mopar

[sgrip65]

Members. I have a good friend researching this question for me, but I thought I would post the question here as well. On a 65 Dart with 10 inch drum brakes, is there a left and a right steering knuckle? In other words, are the steering knuckles side specific? Thanks for the help. sgrip65

 

[RustyRatRod]

I don't think so. I believe the bare spindles are not side specific. @hemi71x is DA MAN when it comes to this stuff. I tagged him so maybe he'll chime in.

 

[RedFish]

What I do know... lower ball joints with incorporated steering arm are bolted to the spindle. In models where these bolt positions are straight across the spindles are universal. I have read that earlier models had staggered or offset bolt positions. Don't know what year this changed. It would make the spindles left or right specific. What to look for anyway.

 

[sgrip65]

What I do know... lower ball joints with incorporated steering arm are bolted to the spindle. In models where these bolt positions are straight across the spindles are universal. I have read that earlier models had staggered or offset bolt positions. Don't know what year this changed. It would make the spindles left or right specific. What to look for anyway.

Hi Redfish. Thanks for the help. I have my 65 at the alignment shop, and, I know that the upper control arms are correct based on the rubber bumpers that contact them. The lower control arm and steering arm are correct; however, they are having trouble with the Caster. In looking at the front of the front tire, and the wheel opening molding at that point, there is only about a half inch of clearance between the two. The only thing I can figure out is that the steering knuckle/spindle is on the wrong side. Anyway, thanks for the input.....another one of those deals where I tried to do it myself.....but I learned something. Best. sgrip65

 

[sgrip65]

Members. Turns out that the Early A Steering Knuckles are, indeed, side specific. There are, from top to bottom, on the bolt holes, a difference as shown in the pics. The wider spacing will go to the rear and will match with the backing plates. I had the wider spacing to the front.....wrong. Thanks to @65dartcharger for the input on this one. This was easily overlooked by me during my assembly, and it cost me a few bucks at the alignment shop....along with the time today to redo switching them around. Lesson learned, mark the parts, and keep good notes.....advice for me. Thanks to all for their input and advice....much appreciated. sgrip65

 

[pishta]

remember Mopar part numbers are odd-left even-right from the rear bumper if the parts are side specific.