As some of you may know, I have been looking into the possibility of
changing over to late model Dana axles, modified to fit the series rover's
width. I just got a bit of bad news as narrowing the axleshafts costs a lot
when you are dealing with such an imposing axleshaft.
I am reconsidering the whole idea in a big way. This e mail is primarily
addressed to Lonn, and TeriAnn, but others always seem to have interesting
insights and ideas, so that's why I am mass-mailing it.
Most conversions I have heard of are running a salisbury differential in the
rear. This appears to be a very tough diff, perfectly capable of handling a
stout V8 or, in my case, a large 6 cylinder. This is common knowledge. If I
do stick with rover axles, I'll be going to a salisbury at the rear, and a
rover at the front.
What I'm worried about is the front diff. How is this end of the equation
holding up? Lonn and TeriAnn are using bone stock front axles,and I haven't
heard of any breakages... yet.
TeriAnn, you even have a Quaife (sp?) diff lock in the front, and, the
stocker axleshafts are holding up nicely, considering that you have quite a
bit of weight in the Green Rover, and power to boot. Lonn has a lot of
power, and a whole lot of tire to spin, but yet seems to have evaded
breakages.
Well, here goes. Is it safe to assume that the front axleshafts are capable
of handling a fair amount of abuse? I realise the rear ones are put to the
test in daily driving, and the front see limited strain IE only off-road,
but it seems that they are OK for pretty hard off-road use. As far as I can
tell, Timm Cooper's rock crawling rig has a stock rover axle (except for
brakes) up front, and I can pretty much bet that Mr 5+ howler monkey would
have a front salisbury under there if it was needed.
I've heard of broken half shafts up front, but they seem to be a little less
common than rear axleshaft breakage. Maybe the front carnage can be
attributed to ? years of hard use, and simply failed. Opinions on this?
Lonn, how is the turning radius with your new wheels and tires? Better or
worse than the old tire/wheel combination?
Lots of questions, sorry everyone.
______________________________________________________
Jean-Leon Morin
AKA "Dr. Detroit"
Valdez - 1966 IIA 109 freak
Slagmobile - 195? II parts bin
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