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Live Axle vs De Dion
Alfalfameister - 23/12/04 at 07:56 AM

No, I'm not opening a can of worms here again... I have read all the IRS vs De Dion debates, and it would seem that for my application, De Dion would be the best fit.

But there are no Sierra donors where I'm from! Argh! Mostly live-axled japanese cars (Toyota Corollas/Coronas, Nissan Sentras, Mitsubishi Lancer/Galant -- I'm not sure how the nomenclature changes per country).

Apparently, the De Dion has been popular here [in this message board] because of the diminishing number of donor cars (Escorts) with a live axle, so most are going the De Dion route (or IRS for a few others).

From a technical viewpoint, I would much rather have a De Dion, too, so I can mount the diff on the chassis (and therefore lighter weights supported by the springs/shocks).

So, should I try and still hunt for a differential that I can mount on the chassis, or should I just go the live-axle route? After all, as someone said (I forget who) "Show me anyone who says that a live-axle locost handles like crap"

Also, I figured, in the Locost racing series, where they really have to follow the book for the regulations, then they race with a live axle -- so if they race it, then it must be good enough for me, too?

Thanks for any input.

--Alfred
--Manila, Philippines

[Edited on 23/12/04 by Alfalfameister]

britishtrident - 23/12/04 at 08:23 AM

One of the reasons the de Dion is popular is that the Sierra rear wheel bearing carrier is a self contained bolt on unit which can be easily adapted to build a de Dion or IRS. I can't off hand think of another car that uses a simiilar design.

On most cars with semi trailing arm IRS the wheel bearing carrier is a tube welded into the semi-trailing arm --- to build that into a de Dion would require either drastic surgery with an angle grinder or getting new tubes machined.

phelpsa - 23/12/04 at 10:31 AM

quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident I can't off hand think of another car that uses a simiilar design.


Granada, Scorpio

Aloupol - 23/12/04 at 11:21 AM

quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident
On most cars with semi trailing arm IRS the wheel bearing carrier is a tube welded into the semi-trailing arm --- to build that into a de Dion would require either drastic surgery with an angle grinder or getting new tubes machined.


I made this in 1991, one full day with the angle grinder over BMW semi-trailing arms. It's not that hard, but of course with Sierra system it's more easy.
Then I had to built the uprights from plates welded on that trunion base.

Alfalfameister - 24/12/04 at 05:43 AM

So, since live-axles with differentials are abundant in my neck of the woods, I should already go for it?

WIMMERA - 24/12/04 at 07:08 AM

Did you get Mazda 929's in Philippines ?they have trailing arm IRS with bolt on outer bearing housings with rear discs, probably best suited to a 4" wider chassis.

Wimmera

Alfalfameister - 24/12/04 at 08:17 AM

quote:

Did you get Mazda 929's in Philippines


Unfortunately, no. 626s and 323s (but a quick look at www.buyandsellph.com shows that prices are still too expensive). One UK$ (pound) is about PhP105... or PhP100 to round it off, and cheapest I 626 I saw (not that 626s would have made a good donor -- FWD I think?) was about UK$#900....

I think I'll go the live axle route since it seems the easiest to source.... unless someone has vehement objections.

kb58 - 24/12/04 at 05:22 PM

Dealing with IRS recently... I can see the attraction of a live axle. Tons simpler that's for sure. It would sure be nice to get back-to-back rides in a car with/without a live axle, but you'll do just fine regardless. Remember, lots of sports cars in the old days had them.

Just find a really lightweight one. I had an old Datsun that had a really light rear axle

Stu16v - 24/12/04 at 05:36 PM

It is always worth having a look under 4x4 vehicles too...

locost_bryan - 29/12/04 at 01:31 AM

Did you get the old Datsun 180B/Nissan Bluebird (rwd) or 4wd Subarus pre-Impreza/Legacy?

IIRC these has independent rear with separate hub carriers.

kb58 - 29/12/04 at 01:55 AM

Nissan Bluebird (roadster?) is live axle.