Steel diff carrier

[Wedgefan]

I'm sure this must have been covered before but the search feature isn't great on Pistonheads. Does anyone produce a steel version of the diff carrier? I finally got the body off of mine on Wednesday to find that mine has been welded on both sides: I don't trust that it will not break again, especially as I plan to put more torque through it in the future!! Are all the ally ones the same, or are some up to the task?

Thanks

Pete

[Number 7]

There are 2 versions of the alloy beam, the later ones having an extra reinforcing web. I have posted pictures of both before - I'll see if I can locate. As for a steel version, I think I also recall someone mentioning it before - maybe one of the Tazzie racers?

ETA Pic:

Edited by Number 7 on Sunday 30th October 07:05

[adam quantrill]

You might mean this thread...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=15&...

[Wedgefan]

Thanks very much guys. Mine is clearly a welded-up early version. How easy do you think it might be to get one of the later ones, or should I just go ahead and fabricate a steel version? Cold-drawn seamless tubing is easy to get. Would anyone else be interested in a steel one?

Pete

[briantvr350i]

Hi Pete....

My S2 350i has had a steel diff beam for 20 years...

It's had a couple of coats of paint in that time, came from Richard Thorpe originally when we was in the process of setting up Wedge Automotive..

I've not noticed any downsides or problems, and bear in mind Mr Heath was never renowned for driving like a granny on a journey to Tesco. More like the Stig really. It will outlive the rest of the car.

Regards,

Brian and a Red 350i

[Wedgefan]

Thanks Brian - I called RT racing today but Richard was out - I'll try again tomorrow. Good to have some feedback on that!

Pete

[Wedg1e]

Wedgefan said:

Thanks very much guys. Mine is clearly a welded-up early version. How easy do you think it might be to get one of the later ones, or should I just go ahead and fabricate a steel version? Cold-drawn seamless tubing is easy to get. Would anyone else be interested in a steel one?

Pete

CDS tubing? I'd be tempted to turn-up the two end bosses from solid bar and then fab the rest in 4-6mm plate.

[Wedgefan]

Hi Wedg1e - That's pretty much my intention, but to use the CDS for the "arms"of the structure. I need to give it a good looking at! Now the body is off I can get on the case.

Since mine has already been welded, does anyone have an undamaged one that I could borrow for a while to take some measurements from - just in case mine wasn't weded as carefully as it should have been?

RT racing no longer offer a steel one.

Thanks

Pete

[Geoff38]

Couple of pics of a steel carrier from a racer .....

[mk1fan]

I would be interested in an 'upgraded' version. Not that Wendy has a massive lump but may as well upgrade when the dif comes out.

[Number 7]

mk1fan said:

I would be interested in an 'upgraded' version. Not that Wendy has a massive lump but may as well upgrade when the dif comes out.

Unless you've got the early unbraced version, I wouldn't worry about changing it. And iirc last time I took team diff out I left the beam in situ.

Edited by Number 7 on Wednesday 2nd November 19:06

[Wedgefan]

Thanks very much for the pics Geoff. However - change of plan . WARNING - all original-is-best members please cover your eyes!! Since this is already a not-very-original car and has been accident damaged and dismantled/badly rebuilt in the past - (the rear part of the chassis has some iffy welding and non-original sized tubing), I've decided to go mad and completely modify the rear end with the intention of getting it to handle nicely after it is rebuilt. I'm going to replace all the dodgy bits at the back with Chimp suspension, brakes and diff. This will get rid of the trailing arms, inboard brakes and std Salisbury diff. . It will have properly located suspension, more modern limited slip diff and easy-to maintain outboard brakes! Watch this space!
Awaiting !!

Pete

[Geoff38]

Interesting , did You buy one of the Chim rear end sections from the "bay" ? Will You need to modify the rear end of the shell around the diff area ?

[Wedgefan]

Hi Geoff - Yes, fleabay purchase. The petrol tanks may need to be modified or replaced with custom tanks as the Chim chassis widens quickly after the end of the transmission tunnel for the upper suspension pickup points, but removing the trailing arms will also allow fitting of the tanks a little lower, so not sure on that one yet. The boot area of the body may need a little attention but very little I suspect - my original plan was to make removable access panels anyway. I should have the bits on Tuesday so will quickly learn more. Getting rid of the Wedge diff carrier will also make it easier to fit a rear roll bar, just in case I get the urge to take it on track . A different U-J on the end of the prop shaft may be needed - I think the BTR diff has a larger diameter flange - that's an easy one. Something I do need to sort out are the four stud hubs, although I think some of the Chimps have been converted in the past already - more research needed. Looking forward to starting now I have made the decision! I'll post a few photos if anyone interested.

Pete

[Geoff38]

Defo interested in seeing photo's of Your progress .
Yes Chim and Griff have had 5 stud hub conversions to fit spider wheels at pcd 114.3mm which is a bit bigger than the wedge pcd at 112mm. I managed to get hold of a set of 5 stud hubs from a granada and keep meaning to see if the bearing size is same as Chim one to see if they could be swapped.

[Wedgefan]

I've also got a set of Tuscan five stud uprights/hubs, but I don't know how interchangeable they are yet (they are really heavy!). Do you already own a Chimaera Geoff? Which year/model Granada do your hubs come from? I'll have to look out for some. What model Ford are the standard Chim ones from?

Pete

[Geoff38]

Not sure what year the hubs are from , the old square shaped granada I think , the newer scorpio's went to four stud.
Yes I have a Chim , the hubs are serria ones.
Never thought of trying tuscan rear uprights in the chim wishbones or tuscan wishbones on the chim , strangely I do have all these parts as well . Yes downside of tuscan parts is the weight but I guess they are expected to deal with more power.

[Wedgefan]

It will be interesting to find out how much heavier the Tuscan hubs/uprights are compared to the standard Chim's - don't know what the Tuscan hubs are off. I put a BTR diff in my Lotus Excel track car (LS engine) which has the 108 mm CV joints iirc - same size as the Tuscan hubs. Don't know yet what size the Chim has. Looking forward to getting the bits now so I can start work on it!

Pete

[Geoff38]

Tuscan hubs are "jeep" :-)

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/HUB-WHEEL-BEARING-TVR-Cerb...

Edited by Geoff38 on Sunday 6th November 19:14

[Wedgefan]

Geoff38 said:

Tuscan hubs are "jeep" :-)

And "cheap"!!

Edited by Geoff38 on Sunday 6th November 19:14