Joe,
The early Spitfire diffs are the main problem (up to axle number FC120,000 -
the change was in 1967 when the Herald 13/60 came out with the bigger
shafts) as the inner shafts will shear with abuse. There are in fact two
types of these with splines that are either cut or rolled, the rolled ones
are better but the cure is to use the indestructable bigger shafts which
means a different carrier and rear casing. (all subsequent carriers also
have a bigger cross pin which is also better). The next main cause of
mechanical failure is teeth coming off the pinion and this is probably a
combination of excessive slop from worn or broken thrust washers and perhaps
something to do with old oil. However there are times when perfectly set up
units have teeth failure and this could be to do with materials used, I'm
not an expert on it so can't add any more.
John Kipping
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Curry" <spitlist@gte.net>
To: <EISANDIEGO@aol.com>
Cc: <rjmunns@btinternet.com>; <johnkipping@inet.net.nz>;
<jari.tabell@pp.inet.fi>; <tstrange@new.rr.com>; <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 6:14 AM
Subject: Re: Spitfire axel conversion
> I am wondering where the Spitfire Axles are prone to failure. I recently
pulled the axles out of my Chevy pickup and discovered that they are not all
> that much larger than the ones on my Mk1 Spit. I would thing that if
there is not that much difference in the size, the difference must be in the
> quality of the metal if people are having their axles break.
>
> I would love to hear opinions (especially those backed by personal
experience) on the subject!
>
> Joe
>
> EISANDIEGO@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > I recall that there was a discussion about the issue of
replacement of
> > Spitfire axles some years ago amongst FOTers. I seem to recall that
someone
> > had the name of specific supplier of these replacement axles. I also
recall
> > that there was older axle suppliers dating back decades (1970s) that are
no
> > longer in business.
> >
> > If someone has the time, searching the past Digest of FOT dialogs
will
> > probably provide the information that you are seeking.
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