Escort gt G series trans, intermediate shaft, axles, and knuckle swap?

[rotarykidd]

Hey everyone! So, I have a 91 GL and a 92 Escort GT, both manual. I plan on the full bp swap in the very near future. I was reading up on the egt brakes and trans swap, but just wanted to know if anyone has any insight.

I read that the knuckles off of the escort bolt right up to the festy with very minimal modifications, but are unfortunately the wrone spline count and axle diameter. My question is, if I am swapping the engine and trans, why not the axles, intermediate shaft, knuckles, and brakes? This would not only rid me of the need to find xr2 shafts and allow for a nice 10.25" (iirc) brake swap. There's a slight difference in width...

[Team Lightning]

Aspire knuckles and Rio knuckles bolt up. Never heard that the Escort ones would work. Not sure about that. I did use the Escort calipers on my Aspire knuckles. That was all I got to fit. The rotors are too large in diameter to work with the Aspire knuckles.

[rotarykidd]

It has Rio knuckles and strut and spring assemblies on the front, forgot to mention that. It's waaaay too stiff and sits too high (like, positive camber high). Will cutting the springs remedy this?

[radi8u]

It should, I took 1 1/2 coils off of mine. I like how the Rio struts stiffened up the ride but didn't notice any appreciable difference in steering effort. More knowledgeable minds will have to chime in on your bp/trans swap questions.

[rotarykidd]

It should, I took 1 1/2 coils off of mine. I like how the Rio struts stiffened up the ride but didn't notice any appreciable difference in steering effort. More knowledgeable minds will have to chime in on your bp/trans swap questions.

Cool! I planned on cutting them, but really didn't have an idea where to start. Didn't even know if that would work at all, haha

[shadetree]

you can use the egt trans but the axles will be to long . You will need Capri xr2 axles .

[jdobbs86]

I would also worry about the steering arm. I don't know off handedly if it is a problem...but lots of ways to have issues there.

As has been mentioned a couple of times something will need to be done about the axle length. Try scooting the engine forward like advdynamix is always chirping about may help a bit or just buy brand new axles from a rio at the store and see if you can switch out the egt outer splines (if you want to keep the egt knuckles). That said I offer a 100% go do it and report back attitude.

[rotarykidd]

That said I offer a 100% go do it and report back attitude.

That's how I'm feeling. Thanks! I'm also going to try and put the egt irs on the rear, but that'll be much more than a bolt it project, lol.

[rotarykidd]

you can use the egt trans but the axles will be to long . You will need Capri xr2 axles .

Okay, so it is length. I didn't know if it was just the spline count and diameter that was the issue.

[shadetree]

Spline count and diameter is the same .

[jdobbs86]

Spline count and diameter is the same .

Inboard might be the same, but escort has 26 spline outboard spline count (festi, aspire etc is 24spline)


I don't want to be discouraging, but realistically I would just skip the egt hubs and rear suspension. That stuff can be sold to other escort guys, then just pick up some Kia Rio axles from the parts store and figure out mounts and shift linkage. Save a ton of time and money that way.

There's just not anything to be gained from the change in knuckles or rear irs, just adding weight and complexity...

[shadetree]

^. That's correct and that's what in saying . The in board is the same ! You will need xr2 Capri axles . Escort axles are to long . I'm not sure on the outboard ends I've never dealt with them or heard much about using them on a festiva as stated before .

[rotarykidd]

There's an xr2 at a local yard, just trying to save some money. Much appreciated.