--- "Bowen, Patrick A" <PABowen@sar.med.navy.mil>
wrote:
> > Subject: changing rear axles
> >
> > Here is a question I have for the list. On my '79
> Spitfire I have 7"
> > wheels on the rear end (see the picture on the
> Rogues Gallery) Great
> > Wheels! But they stick out from the fenders about
> 1 1/2" to 2" (haven't
> > really measured yet), It does not appear that it
> will present a problem
> > with fender clearance but the possibility still
> exists and the possibility
> > of throwing up road debris on the fenders. I was
> contemplating and
> > wanted the lists great wisdom on how good an idea
> it would be to switch my
> > 1500 axles for a MK IV or before. This would
> shorten them by a bit (I am
> > not sure the exact difference, anyone know?) and
> perhaps bring them back
> > inside the wheel wells. What will I mess up by
> doing this, to my
> > understanding it shouldn't really affect
> suspension due to the extra width
> > of the wheels. Any thoughts????
> >
> > Patrick Bowen
> > '79 Spitfire
The earlier axles are 1 inch shorter than the later
ones. The plumbing to the rear brake cylinders is also
slightly different - the flexible hose goes directly
to the cylinder, and comes from brackets on the
'damper mount to chassis' support, so you may have to
redo a bit of pipework. Also, the radius arms are
shorter, and apparently the bracket on the bodywork is
slightly different (points slightly different
direction I think, but probably enough play in bushes
to accomodate)although the uprights are the same.
Decreasing the rear track might make the car sit a
little bit higher due to the smaller leverage effect
on the spring. the only other thing I can think of is
the clearance of your wheels on the inner arch?
Hope its of some use.
===
Phil Johnson
Club Triumph (UK) Spitfire/GT6 Secretary
http://www.club.triumph.org.uk/
66 Spitfire4 Mk2 FC73949
68 GT6 Mk1 KC13299
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