GonzoRacer wrote:
Quote:
Now git back ta work!"
Yes back to work while the diff discussion was ragging on and on I did not find my cobra axles locally new or rebuilt at all. The one that I found would have run me over $700 used from out of state .. After much thought and discussion of other options I finally became comfortable with the price my one and only hang up was serviceability.. So back to the drawing board after a little thought and discussion I found I could convert the center section to 28 spline that would allow me to run 99 cobra axles which are easily available around hear .. Not sure why when they only ran those axles one year, but they are directly related to the t bird axles... The problem I ran in to with this option was finding a shaft seal to work properly with the explorer center section and t bird axles. To remedy this I could also just start over and buy a Lincoln mk viii center section already set up for 28 spline and then install the correct ratio and LSD.. All of this lead me to my third option which is to use all the explorer parts , center section , axles, bearings and hubs.. Simply build a upright to accommodate the bearing and mountings for a arms and break !! So after a week of all these options running around in my head my wife couldn't stand it any longer she sat me down and had me list prod and cons to come up with a solution .... Drum roll please ....... I have decided to build custom upright for the rear using the explorer parts which will more than likely alway be available and plentifully. The other reason is for the price of cobra axles or a mk viii rear and starting all over I should have more than enough money to finance building my own upright..
Here's the plan
1 have mild steel tube turned so the bearing can be pressed in and have a retaining clip just like the ford factory part
2 use a simple cut 3/16 plate steel for the extent ins of the tube .. Think origami ..this will make up the caliper mount and a arm connection points
3 machine small steel blocks to accept a screw in style ball joint.. Think mustang ii.. And then use adapted tie rod ends to control toe..those would be welded at the end of the upright
On paper it appears to be a good plan and cost effective for parts if any one has any ideas on the matter or point I may have overlooked please feel free to chime in its always appreciated. I probably won't be ordering parts for a while I've got to sit down and plan out my rear geometry and get my design for the bearing sleeves finalized ...thx