The big problem with a one-piece shaft and hub would be loading and
retaining the bearing. If we solved that it would probably be with a big nut
that screws onto the axle tube and bears onto the inner bearing. If we went
that far it might make sense to make the hub a floater with the axle splined
in both ends, though you could surely make a hell-for-stout one-piece axle
and hub.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jack W. Drews [mailto:vinttr4@geneseo.net]
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 8:37 AM
To: Bill Babcock
Subject: Re: Additional SCCA Questions ?
Bill Babcock wrote:
>
> Seems to me that the big issue is not axle breakage but wheel loss. The
> problem is that when the TR3/4 axle breaks there is nothing to retain the
> wheel.
Right on.
> I suggest we initiate a project to modify stock TR3/4 rear ends to
> retain the bearing securely--in other words to float the axles and have
most
> if not all of the car's weight supported by the axle housing. I know it
> sounds like a big project, but spent some time doodling and I think it's
> quite doable. It would probably eliminate most of the axle breakage
problems
> at the same time since the only load would be torque. The TR axles are
> really quite stout--I've never heard of anyone twisting one apart as we
see
> with the MGA axles.
>
This would be the most ideal solution, since it would not require new spring
perches and would allow the use of our present ring and pinion sets and our
Quaife limited slips.
Ted Schumacher also suggested that a new housing end could be designed
in such a way that it had a counterbore in the inboard side that could
be slipped onto a current axle tube and welded there.
All we need is somebody to design and somebody to manufacture. Based
on previous experience with axle shaft companies, we can get someone
to make shafts and hubs, especially during the winter when their other
business slows down somewhat.
I've also received one suggestion that we just make the whole axle
shaft more stout, and make it like a Ford axle shaft, maybe even
starting with a Ford axle shaft, and instead of retaining the bearing
in the present bearing housing, we retain it on the axle with a
pressed-on or shrunk-on collar (an idea i don't care for), I have a
hard time visualizing this -- I'm going to have to go to the junkyard
and look at some axles. That's always kind of fun anyway.
It's hard to gauge volume, but when I asked the FOT who would be
interested in a $1500 Ford conversion, I got ten "yes" 's, for
whatever that is worth. Also, back when Jeff Snook made up purpose
built hubs, he made either 25 or 50 sets, and when the alloy axle
shafts were made up three years ago, 25 sets were made. Of course,
those parts were relatively inexpensive compare to what we're talking
about here.
--
TR6 -- 29 and still running
TR4 -- 39 but no longer racing
uncle jack -- temporarily sidelined
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