I had a bump steer kit on my 87 GT that had to be removed so I could install the F40 six speed - not enough clearance between the left side bump steer toe link bracket and the bottom of the transaxle. So I put the original suspension with an aftermarket sway bar back on the car. The original left side toe link did not fit tight on the original knuckle - it's supposed to be a press fit, but it just drops right in the hole on the knuckle, and drops too far. The right side is OK. So I bought new end links and it drops in the same way. Then I figured it must be the knuckle is worn so I replaced it with another knuckle - same problem! Is this a common problem with a known fix or have I just had bad luck with two bad knuckles?? Do I need to keep searching for a knuckle that isn't worn?

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87 GT, Ramjet 350 SBC, 6-Spd
Melbourne, FL

Rod end to knuckle and BJ to knuckle are not press fit.

BJ uses pinch bolt
Rod end nut goes tight when it sucks in the tapper.

Do not over tight them because doing so will stress the stud/bolt and leads to failure on the road...

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

OK, its not a press fit, however, the rod end just freely drops through the hole on both knuckles I have tried - even far enough to compress the rubber all the way flat. I did not get the opportunity to overtighten the nut.

Maybe you have wrong rod end?

If new... # on box have wrong part inside. very common problem.

Except the original fits the same way and the problem is only on the left side. But maybe the original needed replacing and was worn. I bought a pair of toe ends from the fiero store and neither one fits, so you might be right. Maybe they sent me some front toe rod ends?. I've only been doing this for 30 years, you'd think I would have thought to check that first! Thanks for the reminder - I'll definitely check it out.

quote Originally posted by theogre: Maybe you have wrong rod end? If new... # on box have wrong part inside. very common problem.

I would guess the upright might be wore out and need replaced...

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87 GT
series 1 3800sc (7.597 @88.53 1.579 60ft)
(series II swap in progress)
85GT Northstar/ 4t80e
86GT 3800 n/a
My Build

I think you win the lottery. I've tried two end links from the Fiero Store and one from Rodney Dickman and they all just drop right through the hole in the knuckle (upright) - on both left side uprights I've tried so far. So I'm searching for a good upright now.

quote Originally posted by jb1: I would guess the upright might be wore out and need replaced...