First problem I have is that I am not 100% sure of what running gear I have.

As far as I can tell, rear eaxle is mk2 escort, rack is mk 2 escort and hubs are mk3/4 cortina / Capri.

I need to replace a steering link (rod between rack and ball joint) and I am missing one back plate - this may turn up if I can get in touch with the seller.

I have found that getting hold of escort mk2 parts is difficult; I would need to go to breakers for them.

So to avoid looking for rare parts in the future, I might as well use more recent parts off a sierra.

It is unlikely to be be a simple bolt off/bolt on job so how difficult would it be to fit a sierra rear axle and sierra rack?

1. would I need to make modification to the chasis for the rack?
2. is the sierra rear axle the track same as mk2 escort?
3. will I need to modify the prop? (length and flange?)
4. will my alloys fit the rear axle?
5. can the sierra back plates be modified to fit escort axle?
6. what is the diff. ratio for both?

any other suggestion welcome (obviously simplest would be to find the mk2 parts).

Anyone know of mk2 escort clubs? (looked on the web but not found any specicific to this model )

It would not be worth trying to change to Sierra there are to many differences and the Sierra has independent rear suspension not an axle.
Rally design sell new racks for about £60 and im sure a back plate will turn up if you look for a while.Once running you shouldnt have too many parts problems as you are unlikely to do large milages in the car, so as long as it is maintained well shouldnt be a problem.
Paul.

the sierra has an independant rear suspension and so will require the redesign of the chassis, this topic has been covered elswhere in the recent past.

the stearing rack will have to be narrowed

the propshaft would have to be changed dependant upon what engine and gear box you are using.

the back plates being modified is something i cannot answer im afraid

the sierra mostly used 14" wheels so there may be fitting problems with the front disks if using 13" wheels

i hope this is of some use

Ditch

hmmm, pretty sure sierra had live axle and independent suspension accordng to model.

ideally rally dsign (Faversham,Kent?) would be able to supply the rod rather than the whole rack.

anyways, seems path of least resistance is to keep searchinng for mk2 escort parts.

Not sure what you mean by "back plates"?
If front axle and you mean the disc protector plates as fitted to Std mk1 & 2 escorts, just remove them and let the air get at the discs.
If you mean rear axle brake back plates, then I'm sure I've seen a thread on here somewhere to convert the back (escort) axle to disc brake. in that case you would not need the rear brake back plates.

I hope what I've said is correct - no doubt someone else will back me or knock me down

Romer

As Paul has said brand new rack and postage to your door for £60 (rack is £50). From Rally design...Awsome service , I ordered on line before lunch and it was on my door step by lunch the next day

Back plates are mega expensive and hard to find . recon pair with shoes ect went for over £80 on ebay last week

My MK2 rack cost me 30 quid from a factor. I got a quick rack cheap off egay too. Most mk2 escy bits are either stocked or can be got by motor factors. eg wheel cylinders, racks etc.

I got a pair of 9 inch rs2000 back plates with shoes, drums etc off ebay complete. These go for daft money.

Unless you go for de dion the sierra option will need vast modifications for the IRS.

the P100 the sierra pick up had a live axle, but i have not come across a live axel on the saloon or estate, but i stand to be corrected.

regards
Ditch

go and stand in front of a mirror and give yourself a good hard slap youve just by passed several months of hard work buying an unfinished car just finish it and then start changing bits

This is possible , just needs a a pair of sierra rear callipers , some mk3 escort front disks and some brackets as sold by rally design to fit the callipers. A brake bias valve is needed to correct the brakebalance, or smaller rear callipers from a fwd car ie rover 216 or similiar could be fitted, but the brackets may have to be custom made.
Paul

quote:

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Originally posted by romer
If you mean rear axle brake back plates, then I'm sure I've seen a thread on here somewhere to convert the back (escort) axle to disc brake. in that case you would not need the rear brake back plates.

I hope what I've said is correct - no doubt someone else will back me or knock me down

Romer

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quote:

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Originally posted by froggy
go and stand in front of a mirror and give yourself a good hard slap youve just by passed several months of hard work buying an unfinished car just finish it and then start changing bits

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rear brake

Think you will find that is the O/S ,the handbrake operating lever should be at the rear of the axle . But it has been a while since I worked on a mark2.

quote:

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Originally posted by rusty nuts
Think you will find that is the O/S ,the handbrake operating lever should be at the rear of the axle . But it has been a while since I worked on a mark2.

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really simple rule to work out how brake cylinders/callipers should be fitted: the bleed nipple should always be at the top! Tiger mechanic taught me that one! It is possible to put all Sierra running gear in (take a look at the Tiger CAT, such as the one I'm building) but as others say it would be a lot of work..but depending on your stage of the build and inclination it might be worth doing. If I can help you out with any info, photo's measurements etc of my CAT and sierra gear give me a shout only too happy to help out...Cheers Oli.

That is unless there are designed to go at the bottom!! ( some car are built like this!)

I can't see the front disks off an escort fitting the back because the is no facility for hand brake???

Rgds

Roger

quote:

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Originally posted by oliwb
really simple rule to work out how brake cylinders/callipers should be fitted: the bleed nipple should always be at the top! Tiger mechanic taught me that one! It is possible to put all Sierra running gear in (take a look at the Tiger CAT, such as the one I'm building) but as others say it would be a lot of work..but depending on your stage of the build and inclination it might be worth doing. If I can help you out with any info, photo's measurements etc of my CAT and sierra gear give me a shout only too happy to help out...Cheers Oli.

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Escort bit aren't that difficult to find,
for example this took a couple of key strokes
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ESCORT-MK1-AND-MK2-REAR-AXLE-9-DRUMS_W0QQitemZ4599938320QQcategoryZ21654QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also there are a couple or more specialist Escort rally car breakers around, and there is always a disc conversionto consider using Mk3 Escort front discs and Rover, VW or Sierra rear calipers.

The steering rack tie rod from a MK2 Escort, MK3-5 Cortina and I think manual steer MK1/Mk2 Granada should fit you rack.