KDX 400/420/450 Forks

[grouty]

I have been hatching a plan for the last few years to do a front end swop on the KLX250. I fancy a set-up from the larger KDX400/420/450 range. Better stopping power !
I have in my stash a front hub and back plate from a 1981 KDX420. What is the difference between a set of 1979 KDX400 forks and hub and the KDX420/450 ?
The part numbers for all the hubs are the same, but the back plate on the 79/80 KDX400 is different to the other two as is the speedo drive.
Will I be able to mix and match the 420 hub with the 79 400 forks and yokes ?

[grouty]

Forgot to ask if anyone has the length of the KDX400 (79) front end from centre of spindle to top of top yoke please.

[kdx Geoff]

I don't have a 400 but I'm curious if the 400 clamps bolt straight into the klx ?

[LWC82PE]

I can tell you that they both use the same steering bearings according to aftermarket taper listings. So it's just a matter of if the stems are the same length. I would naturally think they would be, you would think they had a common specification for this for all KX/KLX/KDX models that era.

[grouty]

I can soon sort a new stem etc. The main issue is, will a KDX420 (81) front hub/wheel fit in a set of KDX400 (79) forks ?

[LWC82PE]

I am pretty sure it would and if it doesn't go straight it i bet its a simple matter of change a spacer width. With Suzukis you can mix so many parts around, even though they used 2 triple clamp spacings of 175 and 180mm from, you can still use a wheel from a 180 spaced forks in a 175mm spaced forks. Even the brake plate lugs are at the same spot on leading axle models, does not matter if its 130mm or 150mm brake drum size either. I would think Kawasakis this close in year range would be the same. Worst case scenario is you may need to get a different spacer or make a custom width one and maybe adjust wheel offset to one side a few mm.

[cloggy]

I'm interested in this as the standard brake is as weedy as the engine.......