I am in the process of building a DeDion axle using the Rorty plans, but am a bit concerned as I start to analyze the measurements.

Rorty has previously indicated that this axle was designed to fit a standard book chassis, but I havent found anything that says whether or not it is intended to use standard Sierra or narrowed axles.

Searching past threads, I have read that standard Sierra width at the wheel mounting surfaces should be somewhere around 1540-1550mm (60.63-61.02"), depending upon the model. As close as I can tell from Rorty's plans (he doesn't show overall width assembled), I come up with about 1560mm (61.42").

I have since searched a bit more and located the following thread:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=23755

The drawing of the MK design shows a dimension of 52.5" at the hub mounting surface, and mentions that the design is intended for standard length Sierra axles. As close as I can tell, Rorty's plans show about 54.5" at that point! This makes it very difficult to ascertain what is correct.

The bottom line for me is that I am planning on using a book-width axle, and I am just trying to find out how wide that should be. I had read previously that the Sierra axle was 4" wider than the Escort, so I was trying to figure out if Rorty's plans were Sierra or Escort width, and I was going to narrow the design if necessary. Unfortunately, while trying to figure that, I have come up with these apparent inconsistencies. I don't know what is correct now!

To keep it simple, can someone please help me out in the following 3 dimensions, all measured at the wheel mounting surfaces:

Standard Escort (Book) Rear
Standard Sierra Rear
Standard Book Front

Sorry if I am missing something obvious here!

Thanks,
Shaun

Don't everyone jump in at once! Yes, I know that it is late, and that this subject has been done to death! Sorry...

Okay, I just managed to track down a Hyundai Pony with no rear wheels, and I was able to confirm an axle width of 53" at the wheel mounting surface. These axles are apparently identical to the UK Escort units, so that should answer that.

Any input on the other numbers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Shaun

Standard book front, from drawing: 1374, give or take a few mm for camber and incorrect hub dimensions.

Great - thanks very much, Leto.

Shaun