AU/AU3 different or same front suspension?

[kcej]

Can anyone tell me please.......I have just bought a 2002 AU3 with a hit in the drivers front wheel......
I need to know if AU or even AU2 upper and lower control arms are the same as AU3,
and also if the steering knuckle (The bit between upper n lower that holds the stub axle) is the same......
Oh.....also if the front guards are interchangeable
Local wreckers are telling me they have none for AU3, but I'm hoping earlier AU is same

Help Please......

Keith

[GK]

Originally Posted by kcej

Can anyone tell me please.......I have just bought a 2002 AU3 with a hit in the drivers front wheel......
I need to know if AU or even AU2 upper and lower control arms are the same as AU3,
and also if the steering knuckle (The bit between upper n lower that holds the stub axle) is the same......
Oh.....also if the front guards are interchangeable
Local wreckers are telling me they have none for AU3, but I'm hoping earlier AU is same

Help Please......

Keith

Upper arms are the same, lower arms on the AU2-3 are different from AU1, I'm assuming knuckles are the same but you'd better get confirmation from another on that one.

Thinking, thinking!

I upgraded my AU1 wagon brakes earlier this year (my mechanic did) with AU2 bits and I didn't need upper bits or knuckles. In fact I'll say the knuckles are the same, but still wait for confirmation on it.

Front guards are interchangeable.

All the best with it.

GK

[kcej]

Thanks again George

Can anyone confirm the knuckles?

[EvilChief]

the uprights are different due to swaybar location
upper arms are the same between all 3 series
lower arms are different
guards are the same (I think)

[kcej]

"the uprights are different due to swaybar location"

That would explain why GK didnt need new uprights......he was retaining his early swaybar........

I was trying to avoid paying $500 plus for new ones
thanks guys

[waggaclint]

give ford aring and see if the part numbers are same.....

[GK]

Originally Posted by kcej

"the uprights are different due to swaybar location"

That would explain why GK didnt need new uprights......he was retaining his early swaybar........

I was trying to avoid paying $500 plus for new ones
thanks guys

I think we're mixing terms. Upright was different, upper control arm the same. I did replace the swaybar.

Hope that clears it up somewhat! LOL! Sorry for any confusion.

GK

[FGII-XR6]

the things you need to replace when you are doing a brake conversion are the stub axles lower control arms and the stabiliser bar so that is what is different on the series one hope this helps
merry christmas

[Papa Smurf]

Upper control arms are the same now as BA-BF, if you DO go the NEW ones route, you MUST change both. The lower arms are AUII, AUIII and BA. The knuckles are different on AU1, AUII, III and BA are the same.

AU panels are all interchangeable (bonnets are different of course). Doors are all now BA doors but, you need to buy a plate if you use a BA door on AU's. The plate is for the Wiring to fit properly.

[sly]

Originally Posted by Papa Smurf

Upper control arms are the same now as BA-BF, if you DO go the NEW ones route, you MUST change both. The lower arms are AUII, AUIII and BA. The knuckles are different on AU1, AUII, III and BA are the same.

Almost clear, but that last sentence is ambiguous.

Keith, any AU/BA/BF upper control arm will fit.
Lower control arm must be AUII or later as the sway bar mounts are different to AUI.
Steering knuckle (AKA "stub axle", "upright" or "spindle") must also be AUII or later as the caliper mounts are different to AUI.

Ideally you would get the lower arm and steering knuckle as a set & still joined but if you can't, you can get them from different models between (and including) AUII and BF.

Also check the sway bar chassis rail brackets (the black ones, not the D brackets) on both sides of the car. The brackets should have straight sides & should be replaced if bent or bowed. I got a BA front suspension to upgrade my AUI front brakes. Although the donor car had supposedly been rear-ended both these brackets were bent. If your car has taken a hit to the front wheel I wouldn't be surprised if yours are bent too.

[GK]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

the things you need to replace when you are doing a brake conversion are the stub axles lower control arms and the stabiliser bar so that is what is different on the series one hope this helps
merry christmas

The stabiliser mounts are also needed, make sure you grab them also!

GK

[Papa Smurf]

Originally Posted by sly

Almost clear, but that last sentence is ambiguous.

Keith, any AU/BA/BF upper control arm will fit.
Lower control arm must be AUII or later as the sway bar mounts are different to AUI.
Steering knuckle (AKA "stub axle", "upright" or "spindle") must also be AUII or later as the caliper mounts are different to AUI.

Ideally you would get the lower arm and steering knuckle as a set & still joined but if you can't, you can get them from different models between (and including) AUII and BF.

Also check the sway bar chassis rail brackets (the black ones, not the D brackets) on both sides of the car. The brackets should have straight sides & should be replaced if bent or bowed. I got a BA front suspension to upgrade my AUI front brakes. Although the donor car had supposedly been rear-ended both these brackets were bent. If your car has taken a hit to the front wheel I wouldn't be surprised if yours are bent too.

Yes, sorry about that. My eyes were not the best when I posted

[kcej]

Thanks guys for the extra info.......much appreciated......

Also, for the information of others who might be watching....I'm told today by a local wrecker that AU1 guards differ from AU2 & AU3 in the area of the side blinker

Thanks again.......Keith