jaboruch wrote:
> I have been on the phone with several axle manufacturors this week and
> the basic conclusion has been to replace the whole thing. Strange
> Engineering said that their axles are not meant for load bearing since
> they are thru hardened. They are made for torsional strength.
> Strange referred me to Dutchman Motorsports in Oregon since Dutchman
> makes induction hardened axles. By being induction hardened the
> inside would remain ductile. I sent them an axle drawing out of the
> parts manual with some dimensions since they would possibly be able to
> make a flanged axle. Unfortunately the 1 inch inner spline is too
> small for what they can handle. They suggested looking at a Dana 44
> assembly (used in Tigers) or a Chrysler 8.75 since both are relatively
> small.
>
> I called Moser Engineering but they could not do anything with it and
> they refered me to an MG racer Glen Tower.
>
> I also discussed this with Currie Engineering but they could not make
> a replacement shaft. They could build a Ford 8.8 with a Detroit
> locker and Disc brakes, all assembled for $2500. This would have
> axles from a 9 inch ford and tapered roller bearings. They could have
> it ready in 3 weeks. The 8.8 is used on 85 and up Mustangs and some
> pick up trucks 81 and up.
>
> The consensus from all of the axle companies was that the TR design
> axle with the taper and keyway is a bad design for racing
> applications, although it was fine for the street.
>
> I have been using a 4.3 gear set and find it works the best for the
> tracks in the Northeast. The 8 inch Ford does not have a 4.3
> available nor does the Dana 44, at least that I could find. Both the
> Chrysler and the Ford have a 4.3 gear set available as well as all the
> other ratios you could wish for. The Ford being much newer and
> popular would have better parts availability.
>
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Thanks for the additional help -- we'll eventually find a good solution.
Attached to this message is an Excel spreadsheet showing the alternatives
and data I've been able to identify so far.
Interestingly, the person at Currie I talked with suggested the Ford 8"
axle, which he said they had converted for a number of SCCA cars including
RX7's. That axle would come complete with relocated spring pads, rebuilt
brakes, gear of owner's choice, and limited slip based on Ford LSD but
with Currie-manufactured housing to eliminate breakage problem experienced
in the past -- price complete $1500.
--
TR6 -- 29 and still running
TR4 -- 39 but no longer racing
uncle jack -- temporarily sidelined
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