Greetings. A number of you have asked for details about the axle on my TR3;
figured it was easier to answer to the list than each individually. Glad to
share what I know. No secrets here.
Axle is Ford 8" from mid-70's Fairmount or similar sized Ford. I know to
find rear brake shoes I had to source a mid-70's Mustang shoe, so a Mustang
axle would probably work also.
I did not design or build the unit. I bought it from Chuck Botwright at
Abacus Racing in Virginia Beach. He's made a number of them for both Bill
Thumel's cars and his own. Basic work is to narrow the case and then weld on
spring perches that match TR3 springs. Believe driveshaft was shortened and
new u-joint grafted on to match the nose of the Ford.
Biggest change on my axle is the addition of custom-made billet axles. One
piece from hub to spline. Hub has TR bolt pattern. Brake drums are slightly
modified to fit the TR bolt pattern.
Ratios available are 3.7, 4.1, and 4.62, all available by Richmond from Jeg's
or Summit. I also have a standard Ford limited slip; can't remember it's
trade name. Having been used to a locker, it took a bit of adjustment to the
LS. At first, it slipped too much when an inside wheel lifted, but I've
installed a stronger front anti-roll bar, and the rear lift is now down to
manageable frequency.
Track is stock, brake size, etc. is about the same - 9 X 2 (or1.75).
Probably adds about 100 pounds. Just the nose piece by itself is about all I
can lift!
As I told Jack Drews, the seat of my pants is not sensitive enough to detect
any handling difference. Maybe others, with more sensitive appendages, could
tell the difference, but I really don't think there is any.
Having said all that, and while I'm vey pleased with this solution, the
ultimate is probably what others have referred to as the "full-floater".
Sounds as tho the wheel is more likely to stay with the car if something
breaks. Seems to me that Ted Schumacher had some opinions about that.
Surprised we haven't heard from him yet.
Hope this helps. I'll be glad to field any other questions. John Harkness
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