manual and auto tranny half shafts

[vinnie]

Just had a question that I havent had to deal with before, but figured someone here has.
I have an automatic PT that needs a half shaft and wheel bearing. I have a low mileage parts car that is a manual tranny. Wondering if the half shafts and wheel bearings are the same?

[myckee]

If they are both non turbo cars then the half shafts and wheel bearings are the same. If your idea is just to swap the entire spindle including the bearing and hub, it will work. The spindles are identical. HOWEVER, where they drilled the hole for the tie rod probably is in a different location. If they are drilled in a different location, this will have two consequences. First it will mean that you will have to adjust the tie rods on both sides to straighten the wheels and then you will need to have the wheels aligned. Second, there will also be a downside to using the manual spindles. Because of where that hole is drilled, and then lengthening of the tie rod, your turning radius will be worse.

Your automatic spindles probably have the tierod hole in the middle of the area. The manual ones probabaly have the hole close to the arm. If you want to further improve your turning radius over what you have now, then install the spindles from a GT. They have the best turning radius since the tie rods are the shortest possible length.

[vinnie]

Thanks. That is very helpful.