StalkerXL

Does anyone know what kind of CV joints a Brunton Stalker XL has? Mine is an M-Spec that was built in 2014. It has a Getrag rear diff from a CTS-V. Thanks!

That makes sense for the torque on the suspension bolts. I used the torque spec for Grade 8 bolts, but I have no idea what the threads on the uprights and the steel thread inserts can handle. I'll keep them "snug". The cone washers are smaller on one side to articulate correctly with the heim joint, and larger OD on the other side where the bolt head comes against it. The space created by the thickness of the cone washer allows for movement of the heim joint as the suspension moves.

The set screw was apparently placed by a PO who must have had the same problem. They used a grade 8 1/4" bolt with a jam nut and lock washer. When I placed the thread insert for the pictured bolt, I also placed an insert for the set screw, replaced the set screw with the one pictured (with a knurled tip) along with a new jam nut and lock washer. The set screw goes through the insert to prevent rotation of the large bolt. Glen recommended against the set screw as it will mess up the bolt threads, so I'll likely remove it the next time I take things apart.

I would love to see a picture or diagram of what MV8 and CarlB are describing. I'm having trouble visualizing it. I attached a pic of the bolt that holds the lower control arm to the spindle. There is a spacer above and below the heim joint. Would the large washer go between the bolt head and the spacer? This would prevent the bolt from coming out of the control arm?

I have not driven it on track yet. Still getting it set up, but almost there. Mechanically, it's ready, but I'm working on fabricating a flat underfloor and rear diffuser. Not necessary, but it will be nice. I'm hoping to get down to VIR March 1st, but we'll see. I've driven it about 2K miles on the street and it's amazing. Plenty of power, obviously. The handling is like nothing I've ever driven. Very forgiving, no perceptible body roll, just sticks. When the rear end goes out, it snaps right back with a lift of the throttle. Love it.

I plan on being there! I've never been to NJMP, so I'm looking forward to it!

I had a great conversation with Glen Minehart yesterday. He seemed to think the Time Sert would work fine, but to check the torque on all the control arm/spindle bolts before every event. This has been a problem with other Stalkers, just as you all noted. His son, Sean, has had the same problem on the front spindles, so he had a slot machined in the spindle so he could put a jam lock nut (short lock nut) in to hold the bolt in place. It seems to be working well for him. One of the former owners of my car put a set screw in, but Glen cautioned against that since it would mar the bolt threads, which would mar the threads in the spindle when removed. It sounds like the best solution is to put a torque wrench on them before every track event, and periodically at home. Thanks again for everyone's help with this! I wish I had joined this site a year ago!

Good advice. I appreciate your help with this. I'll continue trying to get in touch with Scott and in the meantime, I'll be checking the torque frequently.

I've been trying to get in touch with Scott since the hurricanes, but no luck yet. I texted Glen today, so maybe I'll hear back soon. I'll go with the repaired uprights for now, but I would feel more comfortable replacing them. I didn't know why two of my wheels were all scuffed up on the inside until the bolt joining the right rear control arm to the spindle dropped out and scuffed up that wheel. Now I know. I torqued them all and found one front bolt that was loose, explaining the steering play I've been feeling.

I'll send some pics later today, but that makes sense that they're custom. I rethreaded them and used new bolts (5/8-18) and they were able to hold 180 ft lb torque (spec for 5/8 zinc plated grade 8 bolt), but because about 1/2 of the threads were shot, I didn't trust them. I used Time Sert thread inserts, 0.875 inch long, and they also hold 180 ft lb torque. I also placed Time Serts to replace the set screw threads that were stripped, and used new knurled-end set screws to hold the bolt. The max thread length is about 1 1/8 to 1 1/4, but a modified 1 1/4 Time Sert insert did not hold since they engage at the end of the insert (I believe). How would you guys feel about using what I did on track? Would it be worth getting new spindles from Scott?

I have a Stalker XL Mspec that was built in 2014. The bolts that hold the rear lower control arms and the threads are shot. Is there anyone who knows what kind of spindles are on this car? They do not appear to be Miata, S-10 or Wilwood. Thanks!

I acquired this Stalker in 2023. It was updated, repaired and upgraded by Scott Minehart of StalkerCars and I have been working on it since then to get it ready for track use. It was originally built in 2014.