Spindle differences 250R & 400EX?

[Racerx63]

I have read that some are using the 400ex spindles on the 250R's. What is the advantage to running them? Does the steering arm of the 400ex spindle clear extended arms better?

[CorvetteZ06]

the advantage is that they are aluminum and light.

[Racerx63]

I was hoping that the Steering arm cleared extended a arms better. Just bought a set of arms and the stock '86 spindles hit the arms. I will get it figured out.

Thank you for the response.

[CorvetteZ06]

yeah, you def. dont want to ride it like that, the spindle could get stuck on the a arm when you turn, big no no. what a amrs are you using? are you sure they are for a 250R? i have had at least 6 different brands of aftermarket 250R a arms through the years, and i never had that problem.

[Racerx63]

It has restricted the turning radius by about 25%.

The arms are a set of +2 Arens. They were sold to me as 250R arms but it came with the 1/8" spacers for the pivot bushings. Figured it was a set made for 400ex and 250R using the spacers.

I was told I had the front end adjusted wrong but their instructions say to run 3-5 degrees of camber. I could only get 2 degrees before the upper ball joint bottomed out. I also have it adjusted to 1/8" toed in.

Its on a 1986 250R. Do you know if any of the later Spindles clear better or ??

[86250rduner]

THE 400EX SPINDLES ARE DESIGNED TO WORK BETTER FOR EXTENDED A-ARMS. MORE-SO WITH THE LONG TRAVEL A-ARMS. MAINLY BECAUSE THE TIE ROD ENDS MOUNT TO THE UPPER PART OF THE SPINDLE (TIE ROD END STUD FACING UP THROUGH THE SPINDLE) GIVING YOU MORE CLEARANCE FOR YOUR TURNING RADIUS. I FOUND THIS OUT BECAUSE I'M PUTTING TOGETHER A ROLL DESIGN +3 LONG TRAVEL FRONT END ON MY 86 250R, AND I HAVE TO USE 400EX SPINDLES TO MAKE THE FRONT END WORK CORRECTLY. JUST REMEMBER THAT THE FACTORY BRAKE CALIPERS WON'T BOLT ON TO THE 400EX SPINDLES. YOU EITHER SWAP TO 400EX CALIPERS, OR FIND CALIPER BRACKETS THAT WORK WITH THE 400EX SPINDLES AND 250R CALIPERS.(BALDWIN MOTORSPORTS MAY STILL MAKE THESE BRACKETS) DEFINETLY PRICE EVERYTHING OUT BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO MAKE THE CONVERSION. IT ADDS UP FAST

[Racerx63]

Thank you for the response. I will check out the pricing. I have a feeling that is the way I am going to have to go. Like CorvetteZ06 said I would hate for the spindle to hang on the arm let alone just lose turning radius.

Thanks again.

[Racerx63]

One quick question. You did say the calipers will fit with the adapter plate but will the 250R hubs fit on the 400EX spindle? Or do I need to get 400EX hubs also?

Is there a later year 250R spindle that works better than the 1986?

[CanuckR]

The 88/89 spindles willw ork better. I have the 87 spindles that are the same as the 86 and my knuckles just touch the a arm only at full droop. make sure you have the toe set proerly too. I've heard from a few other people that the earlier spindles sometimes touch at full droop like mine do. I have never heard of them cutting steering radius like that tho. I am running leagers +2, The ball joints on mine bottom out at around 2-3 degrees of camber as well. it pisses me off.