I have essentially a Ford 8" rear end in my car (was done well before
the Southwick conversion was developed). It fits better than a 9"
would. The stock axle has a pretty small pumpkin. Not as many gear
ratios available as for the 9", but the available ratios line up
pretty closely with the stock Triumph ratios - 3.7, 4.11, 4.56. Much
easier to replace ring and pinion than on the stock rear axle. It's
still HEAVY though. Without driver in the car and with half a tank
of gas my corner weights are with 5 lbs of each other, but my car's
overall weight is 200 lbs heavier than Jack's car was (2150 lbs vs
1950 lbs). I think the rear axle accounts for about 100 lbs of the
difference. I could replace the diff carrier with an aluminum one
and save maybe 10 to 15 lbs (and lighten my wallet to boot!).
Also, Detroit Lockers are plentiful for these axles. The axles used
in the Southwick conversion are cut down Ford 8" axles, so that
design is certainly appropriate.
There's a lot of detail bits that go into installing an alternate
rear axle (altered drive shaft, figuring out brake routing / bias,
attachment to rear springs immediately come to mind), so I'm not sure
if you save money over a Southwick conversion. You need to make sure
to source one with DRUM brakes if you don't want to be bumped to the
"cheatin dog" groups.
- Tony
At 10:13 AM 3/28/2009, Mark Eginton wrote:
>Mark Pendergrass wrote:
>>Mark; Your right-on about the ford 8in. these will take up to 400
>>hp and save a guy alot of weight. Mark Pendergrass
>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Eginton"
>><markconsultation@twcny.rr.com>
>>To: <fot@autox.team.net>
>>Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 6:24 AM
>>Subject: Re: [Fot] was Detroit Locker now TR axle breaking.
>>
>>
>>>"You can indeed use an MGB design, though it's not all that
>>>wonderful. If I were going to use a non-TR setup it would be a
>>>Ford, like every hotrodder and low bucks racer in the world uses.
>>>Lots of cheap performance parts available both new and used. You
>>>can get parts for nine bolt ford posi's at Napa. I've seen
>>>complete 9" ford rear ends with good bearings and posi clutches
>>>for $300 at swap meets. Been very tempted, especially for Peyote
>>>and Ambro. There's a million machinists that have narrowed them.
>>>Why would you screw around with a brit unit that is almost
>>>equally fragile. I bet the MG rear end weighs almost as much as a
>>>9". It's cast iron, just like a 9" or a TR."
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>Might want to investigate the plentiful Ford 8". A lot of racers
>>>use the 8" for very healthy small block drag -race fords not
>>>needing the beef and enjoying the lighter weight. Easily multiples
>>>of TR HP. Lots of aftermarket options and you can get parts at
>>>quickie marts and craigs list...
>>>
>>>Saying yes to spring...
>>>
>>>M
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
>>>
>>>http://www.fot-racing.com
>>>
>>>Fot mailing list
>>>Fot@autox.team.net
>>>http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/fot
>>>
>>
>I wasn't sure of the specs but I wouldn't wish the mass of my
>Mustang's narrowed 9" on any self respecting TR. On the plus side it
>might move the weight distribution toward 50:50 but so would a bag
>of cement in the trunk.
>
>I see the 8" in Nitrous burning Mustangs north of 650hp - no-doubt
>with after-market upgrades. They are cheap...
>
>Cheers,
>
>M
>_______________________________________________
>Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
>
>http://www.fot-racing.com
>
>Fot mailing list
>Fot@autox.team.net
>http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/fot
_______________________________________________
Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
http://www.fot-racing.com
Fot mailing list
Fot@autox.team.net
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/fot
|