Can I fit NB control arms to my NA?
From what I have read the arms are identical but the ball joints are not.
The article states ‘The threaded rod is 1/4" longer on the NB control arm. So the ball joints would need to be swapped to make them interchangeable’.
If this is correct does the extra 1/4" foul somewhere and if this is the case, why can’t it be cut/ground off to the correct length.
As usual any thoughts/experience would be appreciated.
Dave
I can see no reason why not, you know you can actually get the ball joints out of the control arms anyway. It won’t foul anything. I swapped a pair of hub assemblies on my Mk2 before selling as I couldn’t split the ball joints (lower). The most satisfying thing was angle grinding the old hubs off!
After further research I can see no difference between the hub assemblies for a Mk1 & 2 and some are advertised on auction sites as being suitable for either.
It would appear that the thickness of the top flange is similar if not the same and there is nothing below it that the nut or extra 1/4" of threaded rod would foul on in use.
So if it is the threaded section of the ball joint that is longer as implied, then why does it not cause problems with a Mk2 hub?
If the Mk1 web is thinner and there is insufficient thread for the nut to grip could the thread not be extended or a suitable spacing washer be fitted?
This is not an academic enquiry, the last MOT flagged slight play in the top ball joint and Mk1 replacement arms are expensive whereas Mk2 parts can be had for much less and yes before I hear the cries of ‘copy parts are not as long lasting’ this is not a daily driver and does only a couple of thousand miles a year.
Someone must have tried this or am I missing something here?
Dave