Differences in the fromt suspension members

[hls30.com]

I am trying to find out the differences between the two front suspension members that were used on the S30. Actually there were four, but three of the four are in a replacement succession.

From the club fiche:

54401-E4100 was used through 7/73

54401-N3402 was used from 8/73 through 11/74

54401-N3403 was used from 12/74 through 12/76, and superceeded N3402

54401-N4700 was used from 1/77 on and superceeded N3403

The MSA catalog lists one from 69-74,and one from 74 on, which agrees with the club cd interchange data.

Does anyone really know what is different between them?

I can get one from a '76 parts car, and compare it to the one off my '72, but if some one has already been there and done that, I sure would like the benefit of his(or her) experience.

Thanks,

Will

[HS30-H]

I am trying to find out the differences between the two front suspension members that were used on the S30. Actually there were four, but three of the four are in a replacement succession.

Will,

There were FIVE if you count the 432 and 432R front crossmember ( 54401-E4200 ), which had taller engine-mount 'towers' - mounted at steeper angles to the L-gata versions.....

I can't help that much with detailed analysis I'm afraid, but I have found that the 'second' crossmember ( N3402 ) weighed noticably more than E4100 ( I presume slightly thicker gauge of metal? ) and that the welds were much beefier. Also noticed that the captive nuts for the splash pan were slightly differently positioned, and were bigger. The 'jack pad' also seemed to be differently shaped, and again thicker than the earlier type.

If not worried about weight or originality, I'd say the N3402 would be a good substitute for the E4100? They always seem to be in better condition anyway! I don't have any personal experience of post-N3402 supercessions, sorry.

Cheers,

Alan T.

[panchovisa]

Will, at least one of the revisions had to do with slightly different cradle for steering rack. Check on urethane steering rack bushings (application dates for early and late builds) to give idea about when cradle changed.

[hls30.com]

Thanks Alan, and David,

I figured that there must be a difference, and that it probably had to do with the compliance with crash safety and dealing with problems that were found along the way(the steering rack turning in its mounts). Hopefully I will get some time today to compare a 4100 and 4103 a side by side. I will post the results for the archive.

Will