Two hole knuckle

First the facts, (1967 CJ5 stock axles with exception of the knuckle stud and disk brake conversion, Dauntless V6, T86 trans) I recently purchased and installed a knuckle with two holes in it for the passenger side of my Dana 27. Has anyone used this setup? What vehicles used this two hole knuckle? Is it unnessary overkill? I'm gathering parts for my power steering conversion and don't know if there is a kit available for this or just for the single hole knuckle with the modified tierod end with the additional hole in it. I have done a search for the two hole knuckle and found nothing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Wagoneers and J-trucks. Common swap if you want a 1-piece tie rod. Use both holes. Good upgrade.

 

The early trucks and wagons used the 2 hole knuckle. I haven't used it myself but, I have one here and, may use it. I think it's best used with a Saginaw steering conversion to eliminate the one odd ball TRE with the hole in it. By using it, you end up with standard, easily found TRE's. Something sticks in my little mind about tire fitment. Someone here may have had an issue with wide tires or rims or something when they did the swap, but don't hold me to that. Not sure if 72-75 tie rods can be used with this set up as they came from factory with 2 hole knuckles (open) on their dana 30s. They are a bit wider, too so, the tie rods may be a bit too long. I'm sure Herm would have all the parts needed to make it work.

 

Herm has a conversion kit for this set-up; the proper length tie rods/ends I believe.
The D30 is too wide.
Should never be any tire wheel interference.
If you have manual saginaw, the change in steering wheel resistance is very noticeable.
The drag link end in the outer hole gives you more leverage.

 

If I recall some folks have had tie tod hitting spring leaf issues.

 

I've got a two hole knuckle waiting for my latest project. I pulled it off of a Jeepster, I assume a '71, had a manual saginaw so I also grabbed the saginaw mounting bracket.

 

That two hole passenger side knuckle is pretty standard on most Jeep Dana-30 front axles from at least 1976 through about 1986.........It should be used with a similar 1 hole knuckle on the drivers side......A one piece tie rod takes the hole closest to the spindle center and the front hole takes the drag link coming from the front mounted Saginaw steering gear................a great place to do a tie rod flip by using inserts and putting your tie rod on the top of both R&L side knuckles..........gets it out of the way for ground and spring clearance! Also that complete open axle joint Dana-30 front end will bolt right up to your early CJ's as both have 28" spring centers...........not withstanding a lot can be found in the wrecking yards with factory Disc brakes already on them and are fairly cheap.

 

I got mine off a Jeepster Commando, I think about a ’70.

 

Along with the lower steering effort you end up with a slower effective steering ratio. I already had the saginaw power steering conversion before I switched from the one hole dana 27 setup to the two hole dana 30. I ended up getting a longer pitman arm so I could get the front tires to turn more. Not a huge issue but just be aware of the difference.

 

My 67 had a 2 hole knuckle on the passenger side when i got it but also had the original Ross steering setup so the existing tie rods were only using the back hole and the whole setup was beyond wore out. I did a Saginaw manual conversion along with using a drag link and tie rod setup and it handles and steers like a dream now. As I recall, I used a Dana 30 tie rod, but I did build the drag link from the Steering box to the knuckle since the Dana 30 one only has a replaceable tie rod end on one end; the other end has it integrated into the rod itself and I wanted both ends to be replaceable. Mine is the only 5 I've seen with a 2 hole'r so it must have been swapped in at some point. A very worthwhile swap from my experience.

sgogpn,
Mike

 

The DJ-5A Postal type JEEP have the 2 hole knuckle on both sides. She can go both ways so to speak.

FWIW, LHD Dodge pickup or Ramcharger manual steering box looks the same as a RHD Jeep. Dodge mounts outside the frame rail, Jeep mounts inside. Don't know if the ratio or the guts are the same.

As far as a GM product that uses a LHD manual box such as a Nova, don't know which side of the mirror they use, or inside or outside.

 

I checked with Herm and he said he doesn't have a kit that works with the two hole knuckle.

 

well I know you can get the long 1 piece tie rod, knuckle to knuckle
the drag link can be made

 

R&P can build the tie rod and drag link for you if unable to do it yourself. They probably have the tie rod length on file. The drag link will probably need a custom length as there are lots of variables with different steering conversions. They can be reached at 503-557-8911 and they also have a website. Just search for R&P 4wd Parts Inc.


Sent from my iPhone

 

I have a 2 hole knuckle from a 63 wagon on the 3B and that actually gave about an additional 1" of spring clearence. Where clearence is tight is at the wheel rim/knuckle arm end and if running wide tires/wheels with something more than about 3.25" backspace you may need wheel spacers to clear. 3.25" backspace on 8" wheels will just clear 33-12.5's.

 

Thank you all for the valuable information!