What Axle for the RX323 ?

[MikeLMR]

OK, we had the "what engine" thread and now thats sorted (13b 6 port from Carl and delivered very kindly by Kev-yorks) I need to sort out somthing that won\'t break for the rear axle

My current thought is to use a series 2 rx7 axle I think it may be a little wider than the original but not too much ?? does anyone else know what my options are. I\'d prefer to keep a 4x110 stud pattern if possible but if changed I\'d like somthing really common like 4x108

[mullins]

I hear the 323 diffs last quite a while if locked.

Otherwise as you said - early RX or RX-7 with 323 mounts attached. I gotta feeling the RX-3 ones fit without shortening. Series 3 RX-7 have the better 26 spline axles iirc.

or...

Ford 9 inch (heavy) ?
Transit, trader, etc (any good?) ?
Mazda B2000/2200, etc ?
Toyota Hilux ?
Other Euro or British commercial ?

Plenty of options but also plenty of work involved unfortantely. :3gears-rh
Will be watching this thread closely for ideas none-the-less!

EDIT: may help? http://ausrotary.dntinternet.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2695

[travellinbob]

I would think it would be a choice of either a toyota hilux as they come with great ratios and are strong as buggery. Or possibly a volvo one, they already come with disc brakes, are cheap as ships and it isnt too difficult to re-drill stud pattern to whatever you are wanting.
 cheers, michael.

( I am putting an english axle, escort in the moggy as it will only be a standard 12a for the meanwhile. But have a hilux diff waiting on the sidelines that will eventually be 5 linked)

[MikeLMR]

i\'m thinking about series 2 rx7 as that at least has the correct stud pattern If its too wide I might have a go at shortening it  (it can\'t be that hard??)  I\'ve not got the tools to redrill an accurate stud pattern but we reckon we can shorten an axle (I\'ve machined half shafts before)

would a hilux axle need shortening ?

I had heard a rumour that bedford rascal and Suzuki equivilent axles are pretty tough and they are 4x114.3 (I could at a push fit some series 3 front struts but I\'d be annoyed as I have all new bits on my S2 struts!!)

thanks for the ideas, I find it helps to go through all these things ... keep em coming

[Richard]

Oooops  seem to remember not replying to a PM from a couple of weeks ago  :Hammer  :spank

I asked about the Sunbeam axle but it was bad news on 2 counts:
1 - He\'d choped the Mazda brackets off
2 - He\'s keeping it now as he has 2 Sunbeam shells in his garage and has worked up some enthusiasm to build one up

Getting rare now I suppose, but still be worth looking out for one tho\' - correct width, stronger shafts than an English, 4 x 108, and 4.4 diff with LSD option.

Rich

[oldone]

Mike,we have run the std 323 diff with up to 180 ponies,would not break at all,up the ponies to about 200 and then it started to have gremlins.Had it pin locked and it took 240 ponies no probes on the drag circuit !! :cool

[MikeLMR]

thanks Rich, I presumed he\'d want the axle ... Sunbeams seem to be nearly as bad as Escorts these days.

Era, what is pin locked and how does this differ from the usual welded diff ? How did it drive on the road ? I\'ve been in cars with locked diffs before and it didn\'t seem to much of a problem on the road.

[kiwimazda]

Mike if you can break a Hilux diff i will buy you a beer or 12 :god

[kiwimazda]

ooops. I forgot I have a gen 1 rear axle complete. Locked with discs etc etc. Would need new brake pipes and a good clean up. You can HAVE it for FREE if you get it collected. Plus its 110 pcd so it will fit those wheels you got from me

[MikeLMR]

That sounds like a challenge! I\'m liking the sounds of Era\'s modded diff and the standard setup taking the ponies I\'m going to chuck at it (150+hp ? 6 port with 48 DHLA and decent exhaust )  I\'ve got major plans for the rest of it so finding an axle is just one thing off the list and I don\'t mind "slightly" modifying somthing so it works the way I want

[MikeLMR]

EDIT: may help? http://ausrotary.dntinternet.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2695

thanks for that, just had time for a proper read ... soooo much info !

[MikeLMR]

ooops. I forgot I have a gen 1 rear axle complete. Locked with discs etc etc. Would need new brake pipes and a good clean up. You can HAVE it for FREE if you get it collected. Plus its 110 pcd so it will fit those wheels you got from me

That sounds very good  :Thumbs-up It\'d be great to come over and have a look over the rally car too

[oldone]

thanks Rich, I presumed he\'d want the axle ... Sunbeams seem to be nearly as bad as Escorts these days.

Era, what is pin locked and how does this differ from the usual welded diff ? How did it drive on the road ? I\'ve been in cars with locked diffs before and it didn\'t seem to much of a problem on the road.

Instaed of being welded they actually insert pins,they can be removed at a later stage if you want...it drives well on the road at SPEED,scrubs the tyres quicker...but brill to get the power down.You can really play with the oversteer in corners and scare the old queenies on country lanes...LOL

[MikeLMR]

OK, I like the sounds of that ... pins = round = somthing I can make in the lathe = FUN

I need to understand which bits are replaced though, I can\'t quite picture how it works.

I\'m liking the idea of running this setup ... till it breaks ? then upgrading to a S2 axle that way I have a spare should it all go t1ts up.

[kiwimazda]

you are more than welcome but I have to make coffee as my woman no good at that