simple question, how much does a sierra axle compress?

(i've got drum braked rear if anyone thinks it makes a difference)

I've got to get my axles made for my de-dion rear and the difference between escort width and sierra width appears to be about 5.5inch with the axle being compressable by about an inch (not measured properly yet, just quick eyeball with ruler near by).

this is measured in full droop. now if i say take 1/4 inch to make sure axle never gets to end of splines then allow 1/2 movement over range, then add another 1/4 for mistakes giving me the same compressable amount as the axle has now, that means i want the best part of 4.5" taking out of the axle. Just seems a lot.

I assume you mean the driveshafts where one of the Lobro joints slides to allow for the movement of the hubs relative to the fixed diff??

[Edited on 22/8/08 by Paul TigerB6]

hi mike
yep i think perhaps your initial calculations maybe on the high side
dont forget these modern suspension systems are designed to try and keep the wheel as upright as possible during its normal travel and so extension and compression is kept to a minimum .
on full droop quite often the shafts are binding and you probably wont ever get to this stage with your car
cheers les g