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Is there a 'cheap' replacement for a live rear axle?


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I broke the differential (broke several teeth of the pinon gear, which in turn took several teeth off the ring gear) on my '96 Classic on 7/4 and have been surprised at how difficult it is to get parts for the thing. So I was wondering if anyone knew of a relatively inexpensive replacement option for the whole axle where parts wouldn't have to come from England and would be more plentiful. By inexpensive, I mean around ~$1500 for the whole assembly, and something that could be bolted up with a minimum of fabrication. Same bolt pattern/wheel offset would also be nice so I wouldn't have different wheels on the back. Also, something a little stronger would be great. BTW, have a 'wanted' post for a differential as well--if anyone has one or can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

--Terry

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Hi Terry,

You might want to provide a little more information such as wheel bolt pattern size and distance from the hub face to face and mounting point dimensions (from center of assy) or a photo of the rear member with dimensions over laid onto it as there are a number of different configurations that could fit I would think.

Do you know what the rear member was originally used in or what it was for besides a 7 as most of the parts used on these cars have other applications of use.

As an example I have a modified rear end out of an MGB GT that I adapted to my clone 7.

Hope this helps.

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Yikes... thanks for the response. Bolt pattern I knew at one time. It is one of the odd ones, 4.75 or 4.25 something like that. As far as the rear end... I know it uses TR7 axle bushings and the differential is the Morris/Italia. That is pretty much all I know. I'll have to call the shop where the car is currently languishing for more details.

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You could get any more durable axle, and have the housing shortened to fit, and axles modified or made with the correct width and bolt pattern.

 

Moser Engineering shortened and re-splined a pair of 10-bolt Chevy axles for another car I'm building - it was reasonably cheap.

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Hi,

 

Over the years, I have used rear axles from Datsun 1200 (very close dimensionally with the original lotus 7 axle) and Dodge mini trucks (wamted to use a torsen). Just depends on what gears, diffs and brakes are available that you want to use. With more small cars on the road now, should be able to find something to fit.

 

They will all require welding of tabs for suspension. I prefer the removal third member type of diff for ease of service. Needless to say, doing your research and planning will lead to a successful transplant.

 

Wayne

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  • 3 weeks later...

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