The V8 Owners Forum -

Next on the list is a new axle.

I've been thinking about this for some time since I don't think the Marina Van type will be quite up to the job of my 3.9. It seems a shame to have a decent engine, new gearbox but waste quality on the axle.

A friend talked about the MGB V8 axle. Very nice 'period' axle, but I'm looking to be different..

So, my current thoughts are:

Scimitar Salisbury axle (the narrow one) with 4 link as standard and the right ratio diff. These can handle loads of power and parts are fairly easy to get. I was told you can also fit a Power-lock diff from a Jag with some modification. - A bit of an old design, but the PCD will be the same as my current wheels and it is a period axle. Quite possibly what BL used on the actual Foden V8?

Then, when I was re-commissioning our '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I got thinking.. This is a solid axle, with disc brakes, LSD (as standard on Mid 90's Jeeps), Rover SD1 PCD - so minilite/superlite wheels could be sourced (15") - and best part of all? They are dirt cheap in the scrap yards. I've just got measure the width. I'm not averse to having wide arches :twist:

Thoughts? Personally I'm not fussed with a 5 stud PCD rear and 4 stud on the front. So long as the wheels are the same design. I can weld saddle plates to the Jeep case, or even use its 4 link system and fit coil-overs.

I'd be interested to know anyone's thoughts?

Ben

Hi
From memory the jeep diff is a little odd in that the locking of the diff is controlled/initiated in the first instance by an internal oil pump, then the ramps take over, it is not contrrolled by preloaded springs on the clutch plates. The system works very well in my opinion in its intended application ( I have a grand cherokee as a tow vehicle) but I believe there are 3 potential dis advantages,
1/ to operate the locking of the diff there has to be some wheel spin for the pump to load the plates before the ramps in the diff can take over, fine on wet grass/mud not so good for launching from the lights.
2/ The pump wears and leaks and slowley stops initiating lock.
3/ If treated badly over the long term the pump can clog up with burnt oil and friction plate meterial and stop releasing, not good for tyre wear and MPG.
As said though they are cheep, if maintained properly are good and reliable and I think are very nice to use especially on snow.
Best regards
Mike

Thanks Mike,

Everyday is a school day on this forum

I know their are at least two types of 4x4 systems (Quadra Drive 1 and 2?) as I think my '01 has this. Would they all have the same oil pump diff?

Ben

I'm currently running an SD1 rear axel in my MGB, with disc brake conversion, and I'm thining of selling it at the moment if you are interested? I also have a set of 15" x7" compomotives in SD1 127 PCD. Might also sell the custom front hubs (SD1>MGB) ... interested?

chodjinn wrote:I'm currently running an SD1 rear axel in my MGB, with disc brake conversion, and I'm thining of selling it at the moment if you are interested? I also have a set of 15" x7" compomotives in SD1 127 PCD. Might also sell the custom front hubs (SD1>MGB) ... interested?

I'm listening.. I'm not too sure about the front hubs as I don't think they would fit the Marina Stub axle. But could you PM me some pictures and a price you have in mind?

Ben

Hi
I am pretty sure the quadradrive set up has used the oil pump diff from the mid '80s onward, my 53 plate jeep G/C has it (pre facelift) so should be the same as yours. What use are you putting the car to?
It looks like the casing will take Dana 44 guts, that is what Summits are offering as aftermarket stuff anyway, that in turn offers the option of Jag and Rover SD1 internals. . . um if someone is offering a pre shortened SD1 case with MGB spring hangers I think it would be a lot less effort for the same result!
Best regards
Mike

kiwicar wrote:Hi
I am pretty sure the quadradrive set up has used the oil pump diff from the mid '80s onward, my 53 plate jeep G/C has it (pre facelift) so should be the same as yours. What use are you putting the car to?
It looks like the casing will take Dana 44 guts, that is what Summits are offering as aftermarket stuff anyway, that in turn offers the option of Jag and Rover SD1 internals. . . um if someone is offering a pre shortened SD1 case with MGB spring hangers I think it would be a lot less effort for the same result!
Best regards
Mike

I think so too

The car was supposed to be a rally replica but I just want it for fast road use and maybe the odd track day.

Chodjinn, you have a PM