Hub sizes on 1995 live axle Super Sprint

[l1amaboy]

Hi,

I'm a new owner, I just bought the above car last week, already done 700 miles . It's running on 13" steel rims, the Mitchelin tyres are pretty old and are cracking. I get no grip at all really, fun at times but not ideal. So I bought a set of 14" 2nd hand Minators wheels with good tyres and just tried to fit one; alas the hubs are the wrong size - I should have done more homework .
I think my existing hubs are 3 3/4" spaced and the new wheels are slightly larger (108mm?).
My question is; it it possible to convert the hubs to the larger size and if so, is it worth the effort?

Any responses appreciated.

[TeflonT]

The hubs you have a Triumph/Marina/BL centres.

The wheels you have acquired are Ford Centres.

You could change the front hubs and fit a Ford axle to the rear, but its loads of work and Ford axles are quite sought after.

The Triumph/Marina/BL centred wheels are easier to find and will cost a whole lot less even if you buy new ones!

[l1amaboy]

Thanks for the quick response. I suspected that may be the case.
Ok, another trip to the parts area, I think there are some 13" wheels on there - will make sure they have the correct centres this time!

Do you know of any other good places to pick up parts, other than here and ebay?

[TeflonT]

On Blatchat you can browse the For Sale forum and message sellers without being a club member.

[HustleRussell]

DDg said:

Are the Ford axles preferred due to a better selection of wheels, or is there something more that they offer compared to Ital's?

They're heavier but the diff and the halfshafts are stronger. It's not a cheap conversion, it involves modifying the chassis pick-up points etc.

3.75" is not an overly rare PCD, just buy different wheels. I'm pretty sure if you're really stuck you could get new ones for about £100 each...

[tr7v8]

3 3/4" is also MGF & Maestro/Montego sizes which will widen the choice of wheels.

[Eugene7]

I have an Ital, with Titan LSD, and a 210BHP Zetec...

A great combination, and the axle is ideal, in my view.

[liveaxle]

Eugene... I also have ital with LSD. Managed to eat the crown and pinion with 145bhp. Are you using the standard crown and pinion? Also do you have a short or long 1st gear? thanks