i know you're probably thinking, here we go, another newbie who doesn't know how to use the search function. trust me, i've used it.

after weighing all of my suspension upgrade options, i've decided that swapping to fe5 will give me what i want for a whole lot cheaper than an aftermarket coilover.

i think i've gotten most of it figured out, but let me know if i'm missing something:

i believe all i have to do is bolt in stock fe5 struts and shocks. all hardware, such as seats, boots, bolts, etc. should transfer over from the old setup. i'll add fe5 springs while i'm at it.

here's my main question that i can't really find anywhere:

will an LNF knuckle fit on my car? i've found threads saying LNF knuckles won't fit on LSJs because certain things changed in 08 with the SS/TC. but what i can't decide is if those changes were made on all models.

bottom line: will a knuckle from an 08-10 SS/TC bolt onto a 2009 LT with fe1 suspension with aluminum control arms?

what else would i need to bring it up to par with an SS in terms of suspension? the SS gets rave reviews in the handling department and i'd like to get a taste of it. and do you guys think this is even worthwhile? it seems like it would be a huge improvement over my current setup for a lot less money than, say, a $900 coilover set from megan racing.

 

I have heard of lsj' guys with lnf knuckles... Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't cobalt parts interchangeable through all models?

 

Im correcting you because you are wrong lol
But no seriously it depends on the model if the part is interchangeable

 

From what I can tell from all my research, everything is interchangeable except the knuckle from 08-10 SSs. They changed a bolt pattern I think, among other things. So I'm just not sure if those changes were made on LTs also. I haven't found anything saying an LNF knuckle won't fit on anything from 08-10.

 

I'm an LSJ with LNF knuckles. They unfortunately will not bolt up to your car. The difference in fitment is due to the super thick LNF axles which can only be used with the SS models' F35 gearbox. They also have specific hubs which I was lucky enough to find already coupled together from an eBay salvage yard. It's a great mod so its really too bad that its not gonna work directly on your car as a bolt on however John Powell uses LNF knuckles on his IRL but isn't running LNF axles. Hopefully he can give you some advice about machining the parts to make them work but I can't promise. PM Powell Race Parts to reach him. Good luck

 

thank you, that's the kind of definitive answer i was looking for. those knuckles sound great, but they'd be more trouble than i'm looking for right now, anyway. thanks again for your help.

 

Have you thought about the competitive driving steering knuckles?

Cobalt Competitive Driving Steering Knuckle RH 88958711

Cobalt Competitive Driving Steering Knuckle LH 88958710

It says they fit the 05-07 cobalt, but I don't see why they wouldn't fit your 09.

 

i have thought about that, but stock LNF FE5 knuckles would have been a lot cheaper. for my purposes, new knuckles aren't worth $300 each.