Alfalfameister
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| posted on 23/12/04 at 07:56 AM |
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Live Axle vs De Dion
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]
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britishtrident
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| posted on 23/12/04 at 08:23 AM |
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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.
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phelpsa
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| posted on 23/12/04 at 10:31 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident I can't off hand think of another car that uses a simiilar design.
Granada, Scorpio  
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Aloupol
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| posted on 23/12/04 at 11:21 AM |
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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.
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Alfalfameister
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| posted on 24/12/04 at 05:43 AM |
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So, since live-axles with differentials are abundant in my neck of the woods, I should already go for it?
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WIMMERA
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| posted on 24/12/04 at 07:08 AM |
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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
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Alfalfameister
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| posted on 24/12/04 at 08:17 AM |
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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. 
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kb58
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| posted on 24/12/04 at 05:22 PM |
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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
Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book -
http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html
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Stu16v
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| posted on 24/12/04 at 05:36 PM |
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It is always worth having a look under 4x4 vehicles too...
Dont just build it.....make it!
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locost_bryan
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| posted on 29/12/04 at 01:31 AM |
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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.
Bryan Miller
Auckland NZ
Bruce McLaren - "Where's my F1 car?"
John Cooper - "In that rack of tubes, son"
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kb58
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| posted on 29/12/04 at 01:55 AM |
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Nissan Bluebird (roadster?) is live axle.
Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book -
http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html
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