Datsun 521 Ball Joint Mod - Page 1

Chronicles my work of converting the kingpins to ball joints on a Datsun 521.   

The stand out features of this mod are that it will retain the stock track width and torsion bar suspension.
I wanted to be sure that the clearance was still there with the correct pitman arm in place, so I dug out a steering column/box and some linkage.  This vid covers straightening the cross link, cleaning up threads and disconnecting the tierod ends from the idler arm.
Toward the end of the vid, I meant that the spiral point tap is NOT good for a blind hole....they're used for THROUGH holes :)
Second attempt at the sway bar mount.  I have a couple of other changes in mind for it, so I may do a 3rd version.
A bit more progress....sort of.  Tacked on a first draft bracket for the sway bar and proved this design won't work.  Modified the frame rack a bit so I can start checking clearances when the spindle is turned left and right.  I'll have to create another mount and try again.

Pitman arm...not pivot arm :)
More in the on going process.  I move pretty slow on these kind of projects, so bear with it....or not :)   
I pulled the sway bar off the Mend project 521.  Things look like they'll fit just fine.  
The center punch is actually a transfer punch.
I'm working with the stock t/c rod.  Most of this is running through ideas about using a rubber bushing I found at NAPA.  It's a shock mount bushing.  I'm not sure how the hardness compares to the stock t/c rod bushing since the originals are 40+ years old and worn out.  I've used urethane sway bar endlink bushings before, but they have to be modified to be softer so they'll flex and not break the t/c rod.  These definitely have a bit more give to them, but they're available every where and require no modifications. Any feed back or suggestions would be awesome!
This vid it to help clarify why the thick control arm won't work with it bolted to the LCA.  The stock 521 mount is not in line with the LCA pivot.  The stock tension rod on the 521 has rubber bushings on both ends to allow for a 2 axis flex.  The thick one must have the pivot points lined up.  A new mount can be made and put in the correct position, but I'm not sure I'm going that route yet.
It starts out with high hopes that the heavy duty tension control rod will work, but during the course of the day, I realized that the geometry is off and it just wouldn't be right.  I've started to make the mount for the stock 521 t/c rod.
More of the process of creating a ball joint conversion for the Datsun 521 pickups.  This mod should also fit/work on the 320/520 and drum 620 trucks.
More of the process of creating a ball joint conversion for the Datsun 521 pickups.  This mod should also fit/work on the 320/520 and drum 620 trucks.
I've been wanting to do this mod for years.  Basically, I want ball joints with stock torsion bars and stock track width.  The original mod Bre620 and I did years ago, would push the track with out by about 1.25" each.  He needed the extra width at the time.  I've found myself with a bit of extra time on my hands, so here goes.  This is basically the first installment.  I'm not sure just when I'll get to work on it next.  There may be a sizable gap between posts.  The lower arms is a '87? HB arms.  The plan is to shorten the lower arm then build a custom upper. I think we have nearly 90% of this mod figured out in our heads.  I'll put this mod on Mend when done.  Huge thanks to Dave....a100addict :)