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Diff questions
andkilde - 16/5/04 at 02:48 PM

Hello All

Gathering bits for a BEC middie. Planning on running a "conventional" irs style diff with engine mounted fore/aft with the transmission output shaft mounted directly to the diff (with a flex coupling).

In Canada we have access to diffs from XR4Ti's, MX5 Mazdas, Kia, Honda & Mazda mini utes, as well as Subaru and Mitsubishi AWD saloons.

I know that ideally something in the 3.0 to 3.3 to 1 range are suitable -- LSD would be a welcome luxury.

Anyone have firsthand knowledge of weights, ease of mounting or other factors I may be missing?

TIA, Ted


Bob C - 16/5/04 at 04:37 PM

mx5 was 4.3:1 (some later ones 3.9:1) and it has great long ears on it and no proper front mounting - I'd avoid it.
sierra (merkur) bulky but easy to mount - favoured diff over here, but we can get the diesel ratio of 3.11:1. Land rover freelander diffs also used by some at 3.2:1 the ratio's nice but I don't know about packaging/mounting.
Spares for the sierra diff easy & LSDs off the shelf. Limit of my nollij - I got a diesel sierra & am very happy with it (you can NOT get the CWP as spares any more...)
cheers
Bob C


andkilde - 16/5/04 at 05:46 PM

Thanks Bob

Merkurs are 3.38 auto and 3.62 manual, all with open diffs and drum brakes.

Where is the flexible coupling on a sierra? does it mount directly to the diff or is it mid driveshaft?

Thanks, Ted


tadltd - 16/5/04 at 08:20 PM

Why don't you look at a 3-series BMW?

Easy to mount, and have a vast range of ratios to choose from.

And - if you need rear uprights - check out my picture gallery. Ours use standard 3-series hubs, bearings, and brake discs with Wilwood calipers. These would save you a massive headache in designing your own.

I'll be willing to sell you some, but they're far from 'lo-cost'. They have, however, been proven in the LMP.

[Edited on 16/5/04 by tadltd]


andkilde - 17/5/04 at 11:54 AM

quote:
Originally posted by tadltd
Why don't you look at a 3-series BMW?

Easy to mount, and have a vast range of ratios to choose from.

And - if you need rear uprights - check out my picture gallery. Ours use standard 3-series hubs, bearings, and brake discs with Wilwood calipers. These would save you a massive headache in designing your own.

I'll be willing to sell you some, but they're far from 'lo-cost'. They have, however, been proven in the LMP.

[Edited on 16/5/04 by tadltd]


Thanks Steve

I hadn't thought of the BMW as they use that massive rear subframe cradle but it looks as though you've done away with it completely.

Are the rear uprights bespoke items to take the BMW bits? Or just modified BMW uprights?

Cheers, Ted