Steering Knuckles how long

[Evil Twin]

I have four sets of steering knuckles, one of which is supposed to be the competition type. The problem is that while I know that the competition pieces are supposed to be 10mm shorter than stock, all four sets are the same size. I have been unsuccessful in finding the actual size of the stock knuckle-meaning that I could have four sets of the competiton knuckles or more likely four sets of the stock variety. The one set that I have that is supposed to be a competition set came from a gentleman who is absolutely certain that what he sent me are the competition parts.

Only a measurement of either the stock or competition length will telll me for sure.

Thanks!

[=Enigma=]

Well I just happened to have one sitting here in front of me so I measured it and it's exactly 7 1/2". Sorry but I didn't have a metric ruler handy. This is from a stock 1973 240Z.

[bpilati]

Well I believe the short the knuckle the quicker the turn. The short knuckle has a shorter radius, which mean that the length of the arc is less.

[Evil Twin]

Bryan,

Yes, I understand the geometry, but how long are the darn things?

Enigma,

If you are right, all of mine are 7.25" long, which means they are probably the competiton parts-granted 10cm is more than a quarter of and inch but shorter is shorter.

Any measurements between the ball joint hole and the tierod hole? (closest tangent)

Thanks

[jmortensen]

Evil Twin, are you in the US? Because only the US got the "long" steer knuckles. The "Nissan Comp" steer knuckles are standard equipment for Euro and AU and Japanese cars.

[=Enigma=]

My measurement between the ball joint center and the tie rod end is 4 3/8".

[LanceM]

Stock US 72 240, 2.75" from center to center tie rod hole to first mounting hole, after market short arm 2.5".

[RIP260Z]

jmortensen,

The steering knuckles here in Europe are the same length as the US ones. I have seen an original JDM Nissan/Datsun performance parts/Nismo catalogue and the shorter knuckles are listed in there as one of the many options. Also in my microfiche parts cd (US one), the short ones are listed in there as an option. I've just swapped my ones for the shorter ones. Sizes (from memory) are 115mm and 105mm.

Cheers

Ian

[jmortensen]

That's interesting Ian. I had read that the shorter knuckles were standard issue in other countries, along with the "Euro" springs, 5 speeds, and a bunch of other items that were only available to us through Nissan Comp. I had thought that the steer knuckles were one of those items. Maybe in other European countries or Japan or something... ???

[lunar240z]

I remember reading somewhere that the series 1 z's got the short steering knuckles, [in the us] i don't know about anywhere else... i tried to get a good measurement on mine, [they're still on the car.] they seemed to be about 7.25"

[hls30.com]

I think th early cars did get the shorter ones, MSA catalog seggests "70-71 owners check before ordering." They don't want a return if you already have them...

Will

[montoya_fan01]

the reason the 70-71 owners need to contact MSA is tha the early cars got steering knuckles that require tierod ends with a smaller diameter "post". They are not "shorter". I don't believe that the tierod ends to fit those early knuckles are available anymore.

Humbles book explains the difference IIRC