Ford knuckle grind precautions?

[johnbeck]

Tomorrow I'm grinding my Ford steering knuckle's nubs off to provide clearance for the Chevy caliper. Any mistakes to avoid in the grind? The metal looks rather thin towards the bottom of the casting. Just trying to avoid screwing up the knuckle and having to find another. Thanks for any suggestions (Wild Horses kit).

 

[garberz]

It doesn’t take a whole bunch of grinding. Bolt the caliper up and see what needs to be ground off. Just keep checking, take your time. The other side should be simple, when you know how much to remove.

Mark

 

[gr8scott]

X2, doesn't take much.

 

[DirtDonk]

Seems like as you get closer to the threaded hole for the steering stops, you're close. Some are able to grind down to the point they're not touching the hole, but others need to grind right up to it (and into it slightly even) for proper clearance.

As said, take your time and re-check often.

Paul

 

[904Bronco]

I went over... But it still works, just lost my turn stop is all... Live and learn.

I cut them 1st with a hand held band saw, then did clean up with a grinder.

 

[johnbeck]

Thanks 904 for the pictures. I'm putting in a proportioning valve. Any shots of the brake lines? I'm not using a boost. Thanks (Retired from which department - I retired from Santa Barbara City, two sons with LAFD).

 

[johnbeck]

I like having a turn stop. Any one grid some off the caliper too?

 

[tirewater]

I like having a turn stop. Any one grid some off the caliper too?

Doesn't each knuckle have two turn stops? (mine does) As long as the knuckle on the other side has its turn stop you'll likely be fine if your steering linkage is healthy.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Get a sharpie or paint pen. Mount the caliper without pads. Circle the interference area. Grind. Test fit again. Mark and grind as necessary. Slide the caliper inwards, as if the outer pad is worn out. Still have enough clearance? Don't need much but need to have no touching, maybe 1/16" to allow for a little caliper flex.

As you grind you will only be eating away a little at a time. I wouldn't even grind personally. Put a 60 grit flap disk in the angle grinder and you will pretty much just polish it away. Leaves a much cleaner finish than a grinder as well.

 

[savage]

Here are pics of my Chevy conversion and how I mounted my brake lines.

 

[904Bronco]

Thanks 904 for the pictures. I'm putting in a proportioning valve. Any shots of the brake lines? I'm not using a boost. Thanks (Retired from which department - I retired from Santa Barbara City, two sons with LAFD).

Here are the Brake hoses...

Brake lines around the Master with HB.

I Retired from Palo Alto Fire. I had my Boys late in life or I got hired young... My youngest in HS, might have an interest in the service... Time will tell.
Good luck with your project.