C1 front suspension

[Michael L.]

Does anyone know if the upper spindle pinch bolt on a C1 front end is a specific bolt or will any bolt with the correct tread and length will work? I replaced my upper / outer shaft and bushings to see if I can get the car to align properly and may want to change pinch bolts as well... If a standard bolt will work, it saves me the ordering and shipping time. Thanks in advance

Mike

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 front suspension

It is a 3/8in fine thread bolt, but I don't know the exact length and don't have access to one at the moment to make a length measurement. I'm quite sure a grade 5 bolt would be fine, but certainly a grade 8 would be even better.
In a heartbeat, I would not hesitate to replace it with another "off the shelf" bolt.
Of course, if you do that, you ALWAYS run the risk of the NCRS gurus beating up on you because it doesn't have the "correct" marking on the head of the new bolt!

[Michael L.]

Re: C1 front suspension

Thanks Tom! I'll get some grade 8 bolts and put them in. my car is far from being a judged car. it is a driver that gets frequent use. I could not get the alignment specs correct with the old upper / outers, had some play there as well. Hopefully I'll get it closer to specs now, it was looking a bit pigeon toed and I don't want to chew up my new radials.

Mike