I have an 88 duke, an 88 formula and NA 85 GT convertible.

I want to start some swaps. I think the easiest way to do this would be to get an extra cradle, build it, swap it in, rinse and repeat.

I think the 88 cradles are different. Are all others interchangeable?

The 88 are different from the rest of the years, and there are some minor differences between the auto and manual cradles. And the 84 Is 4 cylinder only.

quote Originally posted by dobey: The 88 are different from the rest of the years, and there are some minor differences between the auto and manual cradles. And the 84 Is 4 cylinder only.

I have always liked the idea of a spare cradle to do a build on i assumed all were same glad to know.

Can you make any cradle work in any car? I think you can. The question would be how much engineering is involved. I do know a V6 will go onto a 4-cylinder cradle without modification. Is that true for all year cradles? That I don't know. My '87 Duke cradle had all the factory bolt holes for my 2.8 swap.

Obviously, many people have put '88 cradles into earlier cars but it does take some work. Although the pre- and '88 cradles mounting points dimensions are basically the same, they require different length rear bolts. You also need to relocate the upper mounting position of the struts. The easiest way to do this involves modify your struts into coil-over shocks. Kits are available for this swap for anyone who doesn't have the know-how to engineer or collect individual components.

Jonathan

84 cradle is only drilled for the 4 cylinder and is a bit different

all 85-87 cradles are the same regardless if it is a 4cyl/6cyl or an auto/manual

all 88 cradles are the same regardless if it is a 4cyl/6cyl or an auto/manual - will only work with the 88 suspension parts

all cradles can be made to fit any year/engine, you just have to make any changes needed - the 88 cradles require the 88 suspension parts as well

quote Originally posted by Mickey_Moose: all 88 cradles are the same regardless if it is a 4cyl/6cyl or an auto/manual - will only work with the 88 suspension parts

This is not entirely true. 88 2.5 auto cradles have a ledge over the drivers' side suspension for the transmission mount. It can be removed, but it's not on all 88 cradles.

[This message has been edited by aaronkoch (edited 06-27-2012).]

You all rock! I love this community!

quote Originally posted by aaronkoch: This is not entirely true. 88 2.5 auto cradles have a ledge over the drivers' side suspension for the transmission mount. It can be removed, but it's not on all 88 cradles.

Thank you for that as I was unaware.

I just discovered this extra part on my 1987 cradle. Now to cut it off!!

quote Originally posted by aaronkoch: This is not entirely true. 88 2.5 auto cradles have a ledge over the drivers' side suspension for the transmission mount. It can be removed, but it's not on all 88 cradles.

quote Originally posted by NightMare Cruiser: I just discovered this extra part on my 1987 cradle. Now to cut it off!!

Yea, both 87 and 88 2.5 auto cradles had the center transmission mount, which IMO was a dumb idea.

quote Originally posted by mattwa: Yea, both 87 and 88 2.5 auto cradles had the center transmission mount, which IMO was a dumb idea.

Yup. I call it "the goofy uni-mount".

Although cradles will mostly interchange, as noted above, I don't think that an earlier cradle will go into an 88. Not that anyone would want to do that. Just that it's never been mentioned.

I just used a sawzall to make it go "bye bye"!!

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quote Originally posted by Raydar: Yup. I call it "the goofy uni-mount". Although cradles will mostly interchange, as noted above, I don't think that an earlier cradle will go into an 88. Not that anyone would want to do that. Just that it's never been mentioned.

I don't see why an early cradle with coilovers wouldn't work in an '88. Of course the only reason to do it would be to move an '88 chasis while its original cradle was being rebuilt or mocked up with an engine swap.

Jonathan

quote Originally posted by Boostdreamer: I don't see why an early cradle with coilovers wouldn't work in an '88. Of course the only reason to do it would be to move an '88 chasis while its original cradle was being rebuilt or mocked up with an engine swap. Jonathan

Probably true. although the struts would be at a goofy angle.
Kind of like the answer to the question that nobody asked.