Front spindle conversion

[NHRA Stk Starfire]

I am planning on converting the front to S-10 components. From othe threads, I get the impression that it is hard to get the adaptors or any parts from Bob. True or false? I emailed him about 2 weeks ago and no response yet. If it is hard to get the adaptors, how are we to change over the front? Anyway to convert it with out the adaptors? Anybody got a set their not using, .

[Bill K]

Send in Bob's order sheet with the Postal Money Order and wait about a month. I just received an email from him stating that my order is on its way to my door. It took about a month for the transaction to occur. He does not answer email. I will advise when they arrive.

This brings up another point, what alignment specs do we use when the S10 parts are installed? Do we use the Vega or the S10 whell alignment specs?

Bill

[spyder_xlch]

I would think you'd use the Vega specs. But on the other hand, maybe the Vega specs aren't ideal for your needs (drag racing, autoX, etc). You may need to come up with custom specs.
Back to Rick, you can use S-10 ball joints but it'll require some cutting/welding. There are more than a few threads about it here. The thing about useing the S-10 ball joints is you can move them slightly to get better camber and caster adjustment. Plus they are cheaper than the H-body ball joints. Alot cheaper.

[cosvega76]

Unless you change or modify the control arms to increase caster, you will have to use the Vega/Monza alignment specs. There isn't enough adjustment in the eccentric cams to set the alignment to S-10 specs.

Chuck

[Bill K]

The ball joint spacers arrived today. They are a nicely manufactured product. As soon as the weather begins to moderate in the spring the changeover will be made to five lug. I guess now I can begin the cleanup of all the parts that will be going into the Vega.
Bill

[NHRA Stk Starfire]

Thanks for the update, Bill. Wonder what the time is if you use PayPal? Or don't bother and just use money order? Not that I'm in a hurry or anything with the other work I need to do.

Matt, I will check on the other threads for the S-10 ball joint conversions. I think I remember about the upper. Don't you just cut/knock out the rivets, drill a new hole where one doesn't line up and then just bolt the new one in? Lower one harder then that?

As for alignment, I am just concerned about going straight. No slaloms/autocross for this h-body.

[spyder_xlch]

Rick, that's basicly it for the uppers except you'll have to weld the old rivet holes shut and hog out the big center hole.

[Bill K]

Are all the Vega wheel alignment specs the same regardless of the vehicle year? My car is a 74 but all the suspension front and rear is from a 1979 Monza. I guess the car should be set to 79 Monza standards, what does everyone think about this question?
Bill

[spyder_xlch]

I've never done an alignment on an H-body before that I remember nor have I ever had my own done. Maybe someone that does will tell us what they had done. When I do get my car(s) done I'll set it at factory specs and drive it then adjust from there.

[cjbiagi]

As a general rule for most street driving I would shoot for about 1/4 degree negative camber, 1/16 toe in and as much positive caster that you can get out of the eccentrics, which won't be much. If you can get 1 or 2 degrees that would be nice out of a H body front end.

[Bill K]

The alignment in my car is already off. I have owned the vehicle since September and the steering wheel is not pointing straight ahead, and I can visually see the toe is off. The previous owner simply replaced all of the original pieces, but I never had the wheels set afterwards. I never did anything because I was planning the five lug swap in the near future. I don't think I have driven the car 100 miles since my purchase. It is a blast to drive with the 4 speed.
As soon as the weather breaks the suspension gets swapped, the 3.73's go in, and finally the 355 goes in to replace the 262 v-8.

Bill

[Monzsta]

Nothing against Bob's adapters, I've got 'em myself, but the upper ball joints I got from PST wore out at an alarming rate, less than 1 year. I don't know if it's because of my car having the power to wheelstand and always topping out the front suspension or not, but I'm moving to a bigger joint ASAP. You need to evaluate how you're going to use the car and make your decision accordingly. Not to mention S-10 joints are far easier to get than stock Monza joints.

[ColinOpseth]

PST is known to be junk. Search the net.