matt.c
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 posted on 7/6/06 at 06:40 PM |
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LIVE AXEL'S
Whats the difference between a live axel and independant suspension? I know the obvious is that one is fixed and the other is not but what i want to
know is, would i notice the difference on the road.
Which is best?
Reliability?
Would i regret having a live axel if i got a car with one on?
Gearing?
Very unsure of which to have?
PLEASE HELP 
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 7/6/06 at 07:41 PM |
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On a nice flat road you won't notice any difference.
On a bumpy, twisty road you might find that an independent rear suspension keeps the wheels in contact with the road better. On the other hand, a
live rear axle is simpler and much easier to keep right - there's nothing to adjust! I have a live rear axle, and I've had few problems.
Most kits you buy will use Sierra diffs with some form of IRS (fully independent or deDion) simply because there are more old Sierras around than RWD
Escorts, Continas or Capris.
I know this doesn't help at all, but never mind! 
David
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andylancaster3000
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| posted on 7/6/06 at 08:22 PM |
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As david says it's only when the going gets a little rough (like most british roads!) that a real difference will be noticed. On a Smooth road
or race circuit not a lot of difference would be noticed at all.
Live axles also have the advantage of being being lighter overall but do have more unsprung mass. This is one of the reasons for poor handling on
rougher surfaces.
Have you considered the possibility of a de-dion setup? Is almost as easy to put together as a live axle but doesn't have the unsprung mass of
the diff.
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flak monkey
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| posted on 7/6/06 at 08:24 PM |
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Matt
If you want a peek at a de dion set up using sierra stuff, give me a shout in a month or so and you can have a butchers. Since I am only just down the
road
Basically uses the same chassis as the live axle, with a couple of small modifications to the lower rails.
David
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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Avoneer
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| posted on 7/6/06 at 10:05 PM |
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And then there's the camber thing on corners.
Live axle starts to slide gently, but independent will hold on longer, but let go all of a sudden.
Pat...
No trees were killed in the sending of this message.
However a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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NS Dev
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| posted on 8/6/06 at 12:21 PM |
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All of the above comments are spot on.
If you are mainly doing trackdays, live axle could almost be regarded as a plus as there are loads of nice ratios easily available for 'scort
axles.
On the road de-dion or IRS will make for a much faster and more comfortable car.
Having said that, if you are willing to speak to someone that knows what they are doing on here regarding live axle damper setup (procomp) and a few
extra quid on dampers then live axle is not really far behind, and as was said, it makes for a lighter and simpler car, and the simpler the better.
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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