So i went to fit my rear diff today and its too wide at the top by 16mm. The bottom bolt that goes all the way through fits fine but the top section where 2 bolts fit through the braket is too wide. Any solutions? Can the brackets be bent that far (i ask here before actually doing it of course ) or do i need to get a new bracket done?

Spanks in advance

never heard of that one before. which of the sierra range is it off. of what i've heard fords made 2 but the wide one is rare as they where fitted to the group 2 cosworths . sounds more like some-one has taken a hacksaw to it.. just put a spacer in
tony

Ahh what i mean is the bracket is too small and the diff is too wide. Heres a quick diagram (MS Paint rules!)

sounds like you may have a 7 1/2 inch diff there. The MK chassis will take a 7inch diff. That is a standard non lsd diff, or the 7 inch 4x4 lsd. Sounds like you may have one of the cosy 7 1/2 jobbies there. Not sure if there is a work around, but search the forum on 7 1/2 inch diff's, you may find a fix, but i dont hold out much hope.
Think you may be having a trip to the scrappy soon for another diff

have a look at http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=9798

[Edited on 26/7/04 by Berwyn]

I had a discussion with MK on this whilst building my car. They can easily modify your chassis to take the wider diff - the only thing is you have to take it back to them!

rats Any other options that don't invlove transporting the chassis and not replacing the diff?

[Edited on 27/7/04 by Benzine]

I don't think there really are any other options- other than cutting out a piece of the diff mount each side and welding on an appropriately spaced piece on the outside- messy!

Atb,

James

Ben,

could you not swap your diff for a 7" one, from the place you bought it?

I didn't buy it, i got it from a donor sierra. What about angle grinding off some of the top section where one of the 2 bolts goes into? It overhangs and theres enough to take off to make it fit, just wondering about the thread left afterwards

Looking at this picture of my diff:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/photos.php?action=showphoto&photo=silver_diff.jpg

Are you sure that the mounts have enough 'meat' to warrant losing 8mm off each side? Also, even if you remove that material will you be able to fit it in even then? I imaging there may be clearance issues with the body of the diff.

Cheers,

James

quote:

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Originally posted by James
Looking at this picture of my diff:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/photos.php?action=showphoto&photo=silver_diff.jpg

Are you sure that the mounts have enough 'meat' to warrant losing 8mm off each side? Also, even if you remove that material will you be able to fit it in even then? I imaging there may be clearance issues with the body of the diff.

Cheers,

James

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I'm sure I've read about it being possible to "Slim down" the 7.5" diff to fit in place of a 7" one.....

Try asking the Ford Sieera Owners Club, here:-

http://callumw.com/fsocforum/viewforum.php?f=22

There a nice bunch & don't bite

If you can shave it down to fit they will know.

quote:

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Originally posted by Benzine

The right hand bracket is already lined up fine, its just the left hand one so if i did angle grind off some of the diff i doubt allignment would be an issue if that makes any sence

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