MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Jag rear end shortening

I have an idea for shortening the jag half shafts. I would like to run by som guys with experience. I don't want to cut and weld the Jag halfshaft because welding to cast pieces is a bit tricky. Instead I am going to take a pipe that is as large a diameter as possible that can still fit between the shocks and weld it with a steel plate on each end. I then plan to bolt Universal joint fittings, like the ones that bolt to the differential, on to the plates. This should make a much easier to fabricate half shaft than trying to cut dowm the original one. I should also be able to make a slightly light piece because I can take advantage of the larger diameter pipe with more strength and less weight than a solid piece.
Any Ideas or Critique? Does The Idea sound sane?
thanks
Don Thorpe

Don,
Sounds sane to me as long as it's done carefully to see that everything is perfectly square, and you aren't planning on using EMT. When someone says 'pipe' it tends to sound a bit hokey, but in reality a great idea if you use quality, high-strength material. Innovative fabrication is one thing that it's all about.

Best, Joe
Joe Ullman

Don,
hope this helps to speed you on your way..the Ser. III Jag XJ half shaft universal joints are a Spicer 160 (= Napa 330). The prop shaft joint is a Spicer 5-153X, both parts are available at most parts houses and cheaply too, don't buy Jag parts.
I bought the prop shaft for my "lumped" XJC at our local wrecking yard for $20 Can, it came off a Chev full sized van but I had it shortened by 2" and then balanced. BTW, I have both Ser. II and Ser. III XJ IRS assemblies about the place and the half shaft joints LOOK the same to me. The majority of XJ Ser. III rear end ratios are 2.88:1 and Ser. II XJ are usually 3.31:1 in both open and posi types.
John Morgan

Don, I forgot to mention (and since you're looking for input...) that the Jag XJ half shaft is not in fact a a casting, it's a forging and as such, presents less of a challenge for cutting and re-welding than a cast component. Check your local driveshaft repair shop before you totally abandon this route for the hybrid shaft you're considering (which also sounds feasible to me too btw). There's are a lot of happy hot rodders driving around on modified Jag half shafts in their IRS cages.
Carry on chaps...
John Morgan

Don,just call CWI in Wash. with the rear width you plan on running and they will make you a set for you.I had them make me a pair for my project,an E-type rear in a 76 B.They also will make shortened lower control arms to complete the set-up.It was mone wel spent because if your measurements are off,then you might not be able to adjust the camber of the wheels.The adjustment shims only compensate so much.Also I wanted to be sure the everything would be done straight,safe,and welded correctly.So far I have been happy with the service I received.
Dave D

Don. Have a look at:
http://www.mgbv8.co.uk/
An English site which might provide some food for thought. Cheers, Pete, Sydney, Australia.
Peter Thomas

This thread was discussed between 23/01/2002 and 25/01/2002

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical BBS now