I've been through the "FAQable" posts and several others regarding fitment issues, the use of spacers, as well as the use of 5th gen axles, and I just want to know, what's the deal?
Are the 5th gen axles ok, or is one in fact longer than it's 4th gen counterpart? Is it not worth it or detrimental to use either or both as part of the conversion? I read so many people say "dude, do the 5 lug, it was easy and I rule" bla bla bla, but then I read a thread where everyone is iffy on the proper use of spacers. There are maybe a few other variables, I think one involving the rear knuckle not taking up the exact same spot, dimensionally, as the 4th gen knuckle does. It doesn't sound like an exact science as far as conversions go, but prove me wrong, I'd like to do the swap myself.
I'm also doing the 5-lug swap as we speak and have been doing it for the past week or so. I've taken off everything and have all the parts ready to put on (except waiting for the big brake kit). Already put on the rear spindle assembly with no problems.
I would also like to know what to expect when I put on the front knuckles and the deal with the axles and/or spacers.
What I would recommend to everyone doing this swap, since you're taking apart everything, is to change all the ball joint rubber boots at the same time (3 per side). The boots are cheap and you won't have to worry about them breaking down the road. Just figuring out how to take them off and put them on properly is what I would like to know.
Anyone know any info about these 2 details???
1) Axles/spacers for compensating the 5th gen front knuckle.
2) Ball joint rubber boots removal and install.
Thanks so much!!!
Last edited by InterludeTypeR; 11-25-2004 at 03:03 AM.
I only see two, one for the tie rod end and the other for the ball joint, where's the third one?
I see 2 for the front, #s 5 and 9 ...
Makes sense, might as well use a new new bolts and nuts to replace the rusty ones.
But trying to keep on topic, people who've done the swap help shed some light on the questions above
I was trying to find the 3rd one too on the their website but I couldn't find it.
May be someone knows where on their website to find the front and rear.
But of course let's stay on topic about the questions above.
With suspension parts off the car, changing the boot should be real easy. Just unclip the little silver ring (#10 and #8) around the boot and slide it off and vice versa to put it on. Also put some grease up in there.
I remember whan the 1st person did this swap.....
And I just have one question: For what reason? And I hope you don't say wheel selection.
What a waste of money...................
Doing a 5lug swap on a street car is just plain rice! Worse than altezzas IMHO, that is unless someone has a very good reason to do it....and I have yet to see that!
I've been loking at new rims lately and it's really made me think about doing it because of the styles of rims that I like that don't come in four bolt. Also seems like there are more brake kits available for five lug as well. If you can find the parts used it really doesn't cost all that much other than your time and whats "ricey" about that if you're doing the work yourself. Side note I don't like altezza's either.
I remember whan the 1st person did this swap.....
And I just have one question: For what reason? And I hope you don't say wheel selection.
What a waste of money...................
Doing a 5lug swap on a street car is just plain rice! Worse than altezzas IMHO, that is unless someone has a very good reason to do it....and I have yet to see that!
well, as bgm already said, brakes... I think that's a pretty good reason (if wheels aren't enough, because I don't think anyone else would favor your comparison of doing pretty cheap swap to have a better selection of wheels to installing a set of altezzas, furthermore I don't think it qualifies under the present-day application of "rice", consider rice usually involves presentation, not application). If I decide to swap NSX calipers and also want larger rotors, doing the five lug swap enables me to also use NSX-size rotors ... or is better braking rice as well?
Think about it a little more, I'm not interested in doing the lug swap because I want one more bling LED lugnut per wheel, but I think the wheel selection kinda blows for 4x4.5 and also the larger rotors sound enticing.
well to solve the brake upgrade situation you could always simply get the rotors re-drilled as long as the caliper uses the same mounting loaction. Yes i kno that compromises the strength of the rotor but many of the nissan people have been doing it for years (using 300zx brakes on 240sx) with no problems. But i disagree about the 5lug swap being rice... being able to have a wider selection in rims (mainly JDM brands) and having the option to get big brake upgrades w/ out having to re-drill your rotors for 4lug every time is valid reason to do the swap.
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^^ while you're right, I think it'd just be a bit of a PITA to have to redrill everytime I'd need to replace the rotors. In the end, though, it's still an option
All good discussion here, but the questions regarding this swap still need answers from people who've done it.
I remember whan the 1st person did this swap.....
And I just have one question: For what reason? And I hope you don't say wheel selection.
What a waste of money...................
Doing a 5lug swap on a street car is just plain rice! Worse than altezzas IMHO, that is unless someone has a very good reason to do it....and I have yet to see that!
you better put on your flame suit on... ehhe
all i'll say is this...
5 lug is not rice.... i don't see how it would consider itself to be rice...
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So do any of you guys actually race your cars on tracks where big brakes are needed? Should I start talking about how biggere brakes on a Prelude are rice for show too?
Sound off:
How many of you above posters actually have raced your car on a track?
I could see why I would do a 5 lug swap......But why do you guys?
so would that make you a ricer? {pushes bowl across table} here, grab a spoon and join in.
No, that would make me a RACER! Theres a fine line on some mods. the adjustable wing for my hatch is not rice, its race. But a street car with one is rice.
I am sorry if I am coming off as an ass. I just hate seeeinig people waste money. For the street, stocks brakes are more than enough. For the race track, upgraded pads and lines are plenty. After you have outgrown you stock brakes with skill or power, then its time to spend some $$$ on big brakes. I have quite a bit of seat time and just use racing pads, rotors, and SS lines for hard racing.
well i don't know how it could possibly be considered rice. and nor would i go through the hell of doing it, or paying the money too. given i have a vtec with the large rotors already, it doesn't matter. i race my car on the track once a month and you don't need bigger brakes. in fact, a five lug swap would probably be a disadvantage considering you'll have more rotating mass. the only reason for a five lug swap is pure bling bling, i've got nothing against it, but there is no performance gain.
I never said there was, if one reason wasn't enough than I came up with another. I dunno, I like how someone can call doing a lug swap for better wheel selection "rice" or say it's just for bling, but when that car is sporting a set of volks or something compartively attractive in weight and appearance, it's suddenly a hot set of wheels and everything to drool over.
Annyway, before this thread loses all semblance of a point, any answers regarding the swap?
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