playin with ideas so far, but the idea came to me when i thought about it while at work - what about using a Mk5 escort rear beam and modify it to work like a de-dion axle? the sierra rear hubs bolt straight on (i'm told by mk5 owners) and it would be so much cheeper and easier and in the tradition of each builds touch, unique - any thoughts?

i've been playin with tape measure on it aswell and it seems to be a viable idea

not knowing what a mk5 escie rear beam looks like, I dont know!

but, I you'd have to look out for clearance of the beam and the diff.

Whats the weight like as well?

they dont weigh a lot and have been thinking about the clearance aswell should be feasable - think that they weigh in at about 10 to 15 kilo - similar to a bare sierra diff carrier beam

Any pics of an Escort MK5 beam handy? I have no idea what they look like.
Cheers,
Craig.

will post a pic from microcat later tonite when i get home from work

I looked at this myself, whilst looking for the ideal beam setup. There are a number of drwbacks as far as I could tell.
1. You would need to use the beam 'reversed' to stand any chance of clearing the diff, as when fitted to the Escorts the beam itself is forward of the axle line. Even then it may not clear with the driveshafts within 'Sensible' angles.
2. Because of the above, there may be inbuilt geometry that will now also be 'reversed'. Didnt look into that bit too far, I hasten to add.
3. You will need to fabricate new mountings for the beam, similar to a live axle setup. No big problem, but it starts to add up....
4. Is the track of the Escort the same? It might mean shortening/lengtheninig drivshafts....
5. The beam is actually designed to 'flex' when fitted to the Escort, to give semi independant suspension. As to how it would react with new mountings, I dont know. You could strengthen, but it's getting to the point of making your own/buying one ready made.

So I personally kicked this one out as unfeasable. Just my findings/thoughts though.....

HTH Stu.

cheers stu

i've had a look at me brothers mk5 escort and got the tape measure out and the sierra shafts are a nice fit on measurements - will look into it once i have one on the floor the other problems, IE - the stabaliser bar getting in the way of the diff or mounting backwards, then that can be modified and adjusted to suit, however, it is feasable to weld more material on to create an inverted "V" to clear the diff and other goodies is worth looking into by getting one i rekkon - and even if i dont use it, it's only 20 quid - and then a spare for when my bro crashes his escort. lmao

Why not look at the axle tube from an early 1980s Rover 213/216/Honda Ballade

theres an idea - used to have a 213 as my first car (the shame of it) will go have a look in haynes comic

Nice to see you over here Paul,

Sorry i hav'nt got back to you with the De-dion info/measurements/pics etc but the project has only just been unwrapped again

I'll get it to you asap - oh and i advise getting a daihatsu (???!) charade alternator after seeing your clearance




Cheers


Mr G


P.s

Small world - look at THIS thread from 2002

[Edited on 14/3/04 by Mr G]