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MG TD TF 1500 - Source for TD hardened rear axles?

Greetings all-- after driving my TD MK II for 35+ years, I've finally decided to switch to the 4:55 rear end and while I am at it also install hardened rear axle shafts. Besides Moss, can anyone provide a quality source for these? They only name I know is Jerry Austin but in checking the archives I see that he unfortunately has passed away. Any guidance on other source(s) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Bryan Sieling

I got a 4.3 rear (exchange) from Dave Clark a few months ago and bought a set of new axles from him. I like the gear change, I'd do it again. Just be warned, you'll need to keep the rpm's up a bit. We've got hills here....3rd is my friend.

http://www.ttalk.info/ClarkConversion.html

......
MAndrus

Bryan - The axles that Dave Clark are the ones that Jerry Austin had made up. They are of a bit stronger alloy than the original axles, but the main thing is that is is cast with smooth transitions of the diameter, thus eliminating stress risers and can handle more torque that what our T series cars can produce (even with those axles, I still use the hand brake to start out on a hill - force of habit I guess). Cheers - DAve
DW DuBois

Ditto. A real quality product at a reasonable price.

MAndrus I live in the mountains and used a 4.55. No need to down shift except on one 17 mile 5 % grade. Do not think anything would help on that grade except a bigger engine.

Bryan you should be happy with the 4.55.

Joe
JWP Policastro

Thanks MAndrus, Dave, and Joe. I checked out Dave Clark's link, which describes a "4.3 axle-- I assume that set up can be for a 4:55 as well?
Bryan Sieling

Axle's are the same regardless of the gear ratio. If you are talking about exchanging out the entire rear end with one Dave converted I would recommend the 4.3.

Regards, tom
tm peterson

Is there a UK source for these axles? Or maybe a suitable alternative? I ask because I bought a Moss crown wheel and pinion set intending to make the change over winter and if I find the axles are below par it would make sense to change them. My TF has the optional 5.125:1 rear axle (or maybe its from a TD), and a 5 speed T9 box giving 4.1 : 1 in 5th. With a 4.55 : 1 axle it would give 3.64 : 1 which sounds very high but in reality is more like an overdrive ratio with a reasonable 4.55 : 1 in fourth.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Hi Dave,
I have been running a 3.9 for many years and think that unless you have an unusually powerfull engine then 3.64 would kill it.
3.9 gives you 20 mph per 1000 revs which is the same as an MX5 (Miata) which will enable you to cruise with moderns.
I know you live in Cambridgeshire but you may have to come out to where there are hills ;-).
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Ray, What engine are you running with the 3.9? PJ
Paul161

Dave,
Dave Clark sent us two sets of the hardened axles to Germany and it wasn't too expensive on postage($8 packaging+$125.50 postage for two sets.)

Regards
Declan
D Burns

My engine is 1330cc with Stage 2 giving I woukd guess about 70 bhp at peak. Its an Edney sport cam which is supposed to give more go at lower revs. Can't tell as I've not driven another TF.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Declan
Thanks for that cost but its still something of a disincentive. I suspect the mail cost for one set would be similar.
I guess Ray is right and whereas I may be OK here in the Fens, such a high ratio could be a problem anywhere else. Maybe need to work up a lot more miles on the present set-up before I change anything.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Paul,
It is 1250 with a decent sport cam (can't remember whose). It has an unshaved head I ported many years ago and it pulls like a train. Max torque appears to be around 3000/3500 revs which fits in nicely with our 70 mph speed limit. Bang on 3500rpm at 70 mph with a bit to spare when there are no ANPR cameras about.
Ray TF 2884.
Ray Lee

I'm trying to decide between 4.3 and 4.55 for my TD Mk II. My inclination is 4.55. Pros/cons one vs another?
Bryan Sieling

In our flat and not hilly state, I wish I had gone 4.3. Mostly stock engine, still geared too low. George
George Butz

Dave H. - The original axles are fine as long as you don't try to start on a hill and allow the car to roll back as you release the clutch (that is a guarantee that you will snap an axle). Always use the hand brake on the slightest incline when starting out from a dead stop. We have had our TD since 1974, here in Western Washington State (think Seattle) where there are many hills and we often have to stop for a signal and then restart on those hills and using the flyoff hand brake each time we have to stop, we have never snapped an axle (although we know of many who have done so). I got the improved axles from Dave Clark when He did the switch to the 4.33 rear axle, just because they were available at the time. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

Ok thanks. I try to always use the handbrake at a stop anyway (other than a very brief one) as its a good habit in any car,
Dave H
Dave Hill

I'm happy with the 4.55 gears in my car but I do little freeway driving and generally do not run the car at more that 55 MPH which according to my somewhat accurate tach and speedo is about 3500 RPM.
John Quilter (TD8986)

The Carl Cedarstrand TD/TF Crown & Pinion interchange article has some great tech info on RPM, power & torque comparisons for the various ratios. I went with the 4.3. I plan to use the gears & also want to be able to keep up with freeway traffic without having to thrash the engine. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

From all accounts, it seems 4.3 is the better way to go. I'm driving to the eastern shore of Maryland from DC this fall. Its pretty flat and also requires a couple of unavoidable hours on a high speed 4-lane US Route.
Did a similar trip last year-- it was doable, but cruising at 3500 vs 4000 will be a real treat.
Bryan Sieling

Fully support the 4.3. Great behaviour of the car. Best mod Inever made.
One source for hardened half shafts in the UK is Roger Fourneaux, there may be others

Rgds Mike
Mike Fritsch

Thanks Mike. If and when I go down that route I'll know where to get the half shafts.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Mike,
Are you sure Roger Furneaux does the hardened axles for the TD/TF? As far as I know he only does TA/B/C.

Regards
Declan
D Burns

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2015 and 12/08/2015

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