Help needed on alt. crossmember

[pwh]

Hi,

I am converting a FWD 4AGZE to RWD. On advice I sourced AE86 engine mounts. Now I am finding it hard to source the cross member.

Is their a alternative cross member I can use that will take the AE86 mounts?

Peter

[TurboRA28]

A ae71 will work..

[river]

Hi,

KE70?

seeyuzz
river

[pwh]

Thanks for the feedback

Peter

[CrUZida]

You haven't told us what car the engine is going in to.

[pwh]

It doesnt really matter because I will have to modify ethier to fit it into a Datsun 1200 ute.

Peter

[CrUZida]

Why not remain with the original crossmember then?
So you don't have to mess around with any steering setups.
Or do you want to change to rack n pinion steering?

[pwh]

I bought the car as a rolling chaise. The current one is for a 12A rotary

Peter

[Sam_Q]

so right now it has no cross-member at all? swapping one isn't straightforward, your messing with your steering and suspension geometry in one go

[pwh]

It has a crossmember for a 12A rotary. In the A.C.T the size of the engine is determined by its weight. So being 700kg multiplied by 3 (2100cc) precludes using a 12A (2400cc.)

It was suggested by the Engineer to use a 4AGZE. So I bought a Import AE92 halfcut.

I then sourced a T50 gearbox.
Then I bought some parts from MADDAT.
Diff +housing + brakes all set up with rotors and calipers
Struts with 280mm rotors +calipers + adaptor kit
Brake booster
Fuel system
Radiator and intercooler

The way I see it the standard steering is a spindle and pin set up independent of the crossmember.

The only reason I am sourcing a crossmember is to cut down on the fabrication of a new one.

I Hope this explains it .

Peter

[river]

Hi,

Yes, the steering mechanism may be independant of the x-member, but if the x-member is mounted where the steering shaft goes, (or when the engine and accessories are in place they block where the steering shaft goes) then you have to mod something (usually the steering) to get it to connect.

seeyuzz
river

[pwh]

Hi,

I have have found that this project has been one challenge after another. This could be another one.

Peter

[CrUZida]

The crossmember could also be where the lower control arms bolt to.
Using a different crossmember could change the location of these mount points.
Not being familiar with the 1200 though I could be talking out of my ass.

However, personally if I was faced with the option of modding the existing crossmember to fit a new engine, vs modding and mounting a new crossmember that is already designed to fit the engine, I'd definitely taking the first option. (this is assuming its suitable for the task, is not damaged, is strong enough, etc etc)

[Sam_Q]

I see where you getting at, the answer you probably seek is to use the ae86 or ae71 crossmember. However if the steering is independent of the crossmember as river suggested then you would still have to watch out for the location of the pivot point on the lower control arm. If this is different from the original then you will have roll center and bump steer issues. That's why I suggested using the original crossmember as a starting point.

[Sam_Q]

CrUZida: you just bet me to it!