JohnK944

If I am correct, a early 944 a-arm will fit the 85.5 944. (?)

The only difference would be in the geometry. Meaning, the distance between the front tires. Being wider in the 85.5 944.

considering the cost of the 85.5 a-arms/ball joint unit and the difference between early a-arms being steel vs the 85.5 aluminum.

Has anyone tried to fabricate a small extension which could be welded/fastened to the early a-arm. So that a early ball joint could be used on a 85.5.

This could mean very low cost ball-joint r/r's and a big improvement in durability and safety.

Is this feasible?? Is this a dumb idea??

john 87 944

Dave

IIRC it's even easier than that. The geometry didn't change until 87, so the early A-arms don't need any modification to fit an 85.5-86. I think the mounts/bushings are different so you will have to get the right parts, but it's a bolt-on conversion that people on this board have done. Hopfully one of them will give you the details.

Skip

Do a *search* for the term "control arms" or "steel control arms", using my user_id (71). Should have all the info you need.

Dave

Hey Skip, I noticed the link to the Tech-Session on control arms. Now that the SSI kit is available maybe you could add it to the list of options. With a little luck maybe someone will even do a piece on installing it . I'd write it up for ya, but I hope I don't need to do it for a while.

Dave, gone to knock on some wood <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" />

Franco44

JohnK944,

Did the job on my '86. Works great. No fabrication necessary. Arms and bushings are cheap. You should source the "clips" for the caster adjustment from a junk yard from an older model. Check Skip's references for years, etc. When they go you can replace just the ball joints or the whole arm for what it costs!

Good Luck!

Frank

david fracolli

I asked the same question a few weeks ago and Skip was nice enough to list all of the parts needed to do this. Check the archives. You can get the rear clips from George at 944 ecology for about $60.
Dave Fracolli
85.5 944

Danno

"With a little luck maybe someone will even do a piece on installing it "

Done! Check out this thread for the procedure on installing the SSI balljoint kit: <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=003499" target="_blank">Topic: Problems replacing control arms (!) </a>

JohnK944

Thanks, for the help guys.

This thread could be used to answer most future question regarding a-arms and ball-joints.

david fracolli

For those of you that followed my earlier thread on this subject about a month ago you will remember that I had sent my a-arms to an individual in California to be rebuilt. After spending the last 2 months trying to reach this individual by phone, E-mail and by certified mail I now believe I have given this person more than enough oppurtunity to return my A-arms.
This individual is Jay from DST racing, the same person that blew up Danno's engine.
Dave Fracolli
85.5 944 with no a-arms <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />

Skip

That's a real shame - I assume you were converting to steel? If you're interested in getting the car back on the road until a solution to the strengthened arms is reached, you could simply install new or used ones. Many junk yards will have these in bulk from the early Jettas, Rabbits, and Sciroccos - as well as the 924 and early 944.

Good Luck!

Skip

Carrera51

On recommendation from several on this board, I purchased rebuilt a-arms for my 86 944 n/a from Vertex. I am very happy so far, plus the mechanic said they were put together well.

They guarantee them for 3 years and said they will hold up if I ever track the car. $149.00 each (plus a core charge which is refunded promptly when you send them your old ones).