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A question please regarding fitting Commodore wheels onto a Hadfield front end - apologies in advance for the length og the post, but hopefully the detail will help. The vehicle is an EK wagon, fitted with a Hadfield-modified HR crossmember and front-mounted rack (ready for a 327 Chev). I have fitted the Hadfield re-bent steering arms, and Hadfield front spindles, which are machined for VN/VP Commodore rotors. The idea here is to match the stud pattern on the front end with the VN/VP Commodore diff, which has been narrowed to suit. The issue becomes getting the 15” Commodore rims to fit, as they hit the tie-rods. I have tried the following solutions, with no luck:
a) fitting wheel spacers – the spacers need to be more than 8mm thick (with longer studs). This puts the wheels closer to the guards, which is not a great idea. The NSW RTA modification guidelines are also not very fond of wheel spacers, so it would appear this is not a suitable solution.
b) trying to find 15” Commodore rims with the right offset. Commodore rims have been sold in a variety of offsets over the years…. but after many, many visits to the wreckers I have failed to find any to suit.
c) getting custom wheels made to suit – I would like to avoid this if possible, as it means I cannot readily change the wheels at a later date (as well as the cost involved). If I go this route, I have heard that there is a wheel machining shop at the El Toro estate in Warwick Farm that can widen steelies… not sure of the name though.
d) I know this question has been posed on the FE/FC forum, and that some guys have put spacers on the steering arms using high tensile bolts. This makes the turning circle even worse, but I can live with that. Has anyone made these spacers on an EK (and maybe have photos) before I go asking on the FE/FC forum?
e) I have also heard that LH/LX/UC steering arms are shorter, and may solve the problem. Again, has anyone done this on an EK with Commodore rims (and maybe have photos) before I go asking on the FE/FC forum?
f) Any other ideas, other than ditching the front end and starting again? I know that Rods Racks and Pat Gardner both do front ends, but given the cash I have outlaid so far I am keen to get the Hadfield front end to work.

commodore monaros had a 4" spare i think maybe try them they are the same as the chasers not those weird looking space saver wheels

the torana steering arms arn't going to work, they will screw up all the steering geometery.

I too am in the same boat with the tie rod ends.... i have yet to find a permenent solution other than 16 inch rims or something like that which seem to clear everything.

you could maybe try hq i think steering arms as they are made for front mounted steering ...

I had spacers made up at a local engineer, 25mm or 1inch, the turning circle is shyte.
My front end is HR, HR steering gear, HR Column, CRS drop spindles and LC Brakes running HK steelies. I will be changing (soon?) to LH brakes which put the wheel further out and will allow me to remove the spacers and get my turning circle back
I also need to replace the front tyres as they rip the guards at 185/75 14.

Don't fit wheel spacers, AFAIK they are illegal in every state and will most likely void insurance etc, etc.
Not much help to you sorry

Can you fit other discs to the spindles? You may have to change your plan.

Maybe call CRS and see what they say?

I am taking the CRS front out of my 2 door for all the reasons you guys have just mentioned - turning circle is huge, bump steer is scary, tyres rub on guards and rim clearance issues.
How the hell did they manage to sell as many as they did ?
My wifes V6 Conversions is 5 times better to drive than the CRS equipped 2 door.

I think the problem with CRS stuff is the instructions (or lack of) only people "in the know" seem to get it right. There are a few combos that seem to work and lots that don't

Thanks guys.... some good leads here. I didn't know the Monaro's had a skinny spare - interesting. Will try the wreckers, though I guess as soon as I mention "Monaro" my wallet is going to start bleeding (it's anaemic enough already).
Stinky - do you have any photos of the spacers (in the car or out)?
I have to give CRS their due - they are trying to make a product to fit a wide variety of vehicles with all kinds of drivelines, suspension, steering and brake setups. No luck though so far in solving the problem.

Harv,
Morton and May on 9601 7000 they do all this type of work they are next to Hume Performance in the El Toro Estate.

Blacky what type of front end do you have fitted to your white v6 ?
Luckily there is now more choice on the market instead of resorting to CRS.

By the way can anyone put any truth to the rumour that CRS are in some financial difficulty and the business may even fold by the end of the year.
I heard they owe suppliers money and things are going down hill.
Maybe that's why there not making drop spindles iv'e phoned numerous times and get different stories.

Also iv'e heard someone else in Victoria is in the process of setting up business to manufacture and sell drop spindles anyone know who ?
My source said they could not disclose who it was at the moment.

Windowless - good stuff. Have used Hume before for Holley work, good to know that Morton and May are nearby.

Many thanks Stinky for the photos - very much appreciated!

I have a V6 Conversions front end setup in the white sedan - it uses a shortened commodore rack mounted behind the crossmember.
Rods Racks in Queensland also do a good front end setup, they were featured in Street Machine magazine a year or so ago.

i too have the v6 conversions setup and as far as lock is concerned its the same as stock ... bump steer im told is not a problem on the v6 conversions ones but i haven't got mine on the road yet!

Mine drives like a new car

hi there i spoke to rodsracks and he said the front and rear mounted rack and pinion set ups are much of a muchness, the rear mounted obviously suitable for v8 conversions but ratbox's mate shane at glendenning auto's in st marys sydney does the same conversion thats where im going , (oneday) and ratbox seems pretty happy with his frontend .i had to tell him today that the car will have to wait cause the garage with the 4 bedrooms and a study is starting cost me a LITTLE more than expected . SPEWIN .

yeprat1 wrote:i spoke to rodsracks and he said the front and rear mounted rack and pinion set ups are much of a muchness

thats the same opinion my dad has on these, he used a front mounted torana rack on a hr front end and he reckons hes got it pretty much spot on as far as bump steer and lock goes, i think its just a matter of taking the time to mount it in the right spot.