upgrade stock knuckles - Y/N?

[smdennis]

Does anyone have any advice on when it is advisable to upgrade the stock knuckles?

I'm doing a build up on an 78 FJ40 -- LS3 engine, 35's, H55 5-speed, FJ60 transfer case, upgraded to 30-spline longfields. So, does anyone have any advice on whether the stock knuckles are OK, or whether I need to upgrade to something else? Any advice most appreciated!

 

[camcruiser13]

youll be fine, if you have the larger stud pattern, just upgrade your studs,

if your worried about it get some six stud knuckles

 

[camcruiser13]

here you go, found the link,

some dont like trail gear but i got no probs, another can of worms, dont ask


https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/147665-can-you-say-awesome.html

 

[lone gunman]

here is a good thread on the knuckle difference https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/117942-steering-knuckle-101-faq.html

 

[smdennis]

Good links -- I measured and found out that my knuckles have the smaller stud patterns. Think I can still get away w/ just upgrading the studs, or should I look at stronger knuckles? If so, does anyone have recommendations on where to buy them? Thx...

 

[Poser]

Good links -- I measured and found out that my knuckles have the smaller stud patterns. Think I can still get away w/ just upgrading the studs, or should I look at stronger knuckles? If so, does anyone have recommendations on where to buy them? Thx...

Cannot upgrade the knuckle studs...they are 11mm and the small pattern as pointed out in the second link provided...in post #4.

Go with the larger pattern knuckles and ARP knuckle studs now, or do it later.

 

[smdennis]

thanks...i definitely don't want to do it later, so I'll do it now. Trail Gear makes what looks like a nice 6 stud knuckle, but the steering arms say they are for a 'hi-steer' I'm doing a saginaw PS upgrade with a 4" spring under axle (rock crawler kit) from Man-a-Fre. Do you think those hi-steering arms will be ok, or do i need something else?