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Re: TR4(A) IRS/Non IRS/TR6 Etc....

To: Chris Lillja <Chris_Lillja@pupress.princeton.edu>
Subject: Re: TR4(A) IRS/Non IRS/TR6 Etc....
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 11:24:34 -0600
Cc: ArthurK101@aol.com, "Triumphs@Autox. Team. Net" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
References: <000e01bebda4$de650080$2c03a8c0@marketing-9.pupress.princeton.edu>
Chris,
I'll put in your request for the 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster that is here
in Tucson for sale for a paltry $16,000 (unrestored)!  8^)

Joe

Chris Lillja wrote:
> 
> Howdy,
> 
> I think all 4A's (well, at least my 4A) have/has the rear brackets in place
> for the leaf spring/solid axle arrangement. The front bracket bolts on the
> frame where the outer trailing arm mount goes. In theory, at least, an IRS
> car could be converted to solid axle by simply removing the coil
> spring/diff. mounting "bridge piece" from the frame and adding the proper
> bits. (I gotta say, it's a painful thought...)
> 
> It never ceases to amaze me how much Triumph did with so little! What other
> car ever offered a choice of suspension types on the same basic frame?!?
> 
> I just want to add for the TR6 guys out there that they shouldn't take TR4
> (and 4A) owners pride in their cars as a slam on the 6. It's just that too
> many folks (especially Americans) often labor under the illusion that bigger
> (i.e. 6cyl vs 4cyl) is always better/faster. Tain't so.
> 
> I love all Triumphs and I would own a copy of every single type from 1923 to
> 1980 if I could! (I think Andy M. is about 1/2 way there!)
> 
> The cars we missed in America! A 2.5PI Saloon! I'd love to get a drive in a
> 16v Dolly Sprint! Vitesse MKII! A Herald Estate! Oh to have the $35k to buy
> that Triumph Gloria Foursome Coupe on the VTR classifieds website!
> 
> Sorry, I'm foaming at the mouth now, raving wild eyed...I have to work now.
> Good thread. :>)
> 
> Chris Lillja
> '66 TR4A
> '74 Norton Commando 850
> '71 Spit MKIV
> http://members.aol.com/lilljaweb/index.html
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of ArthurK101@aol.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 1999 1:24 PM
> To: spitlist@gte.net
> Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: TR4's vs 6's
> 
> In a message dated 23-Jun-99 12:34:13 Eastern Daylight Time,
> spitlist@gte.net
> writes:
> 
> > I was under the impression that all TR4A's rolled down the assembly line
> >  with both Live axle and IRS rear suspension packages bolted on at some
> >  stage of the buildup and not down different assembly lines.  This means
> >  that the TR4A frames were made to adapt to either live axle or IRS
> >  suspensions depending on the dealer (or owner) preference.
> >
> >  Was the TR4A frame redesigned to accomodate both assemblies over the TR4
> >  which only had the Live Axle, or am I "All Wet"?
> >
> 
> Joe,  good point.  Remember that the TR4A frame was DESIGNED FOR IRS.  IRS
> could not be accomodated on the older TR2/3 or TR4 chassis and when Triumph
> decided to go to IRS they had to redesign the frame.  They only went to
> "live
> axle" TR4A after much pressure from N. American dealers.  The frames for a
> TR4 and a TR4A look completely different.  (The TR4 and TR4A body tub and
> most panels are identical.  Trim is a little different.)
> BTW - The TR4A frame also continued right on through the TR6.
> 
> According to all my references -- the "live axle" TR4A was a MODIFIED TR4A
> frame.    To modify the new, AS DESIGNED, TR4A frame new brackets (to fit
> the
> older type semi-elliptic springs) needed to be welded on the chassis rails
> AND the welded larger bridge piece (designed, as an integral part of the
> frame, for the independent springs and axles of the IRS) in the rear of the
> TR4A frame was removed so that the solid axle could go across the chassis.
> BUT it does make sense that they would just not install (weld) the
> bridgepiece but instead leave it off and weld on the brackets for the older
> type springs.  What ever they did it still was a MODIFIED TR4A frame.  When
> the chassis rolled off it was either IRS or "live axle."  Hence the comm #
> was applied as CTC or CT.
> 
> I said nothing about different TR4A assembly lines and don't think that
> would
> have been necessary or desired.  Maybe Jonmac can give us the real scoop on
> EXACTLY when and how they modified the TR4A frames to accept the "live
> axle."
>  Cheers.
> 
> Art Kelly

-- 
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
 -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer


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