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Triumph TR6 - Differential alignment in frame

Hello all,
I have finished boxing in the rear differential bridge
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/1298716185_4b0c9e6cc1_b.jpg

and before I start on the front bridge, I fitted the differential in place to check for clearance. I am finding that the front right mount is 1/4" out of line and not centered on the rubber bushing.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1288/1298716925_d072d776d4_b.jpg.
If you look at the right rear mount, it is also 3/16" out of line.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/1299586918_d993709b4b_b.jpg
Here's my question: Can I tap the rear pin with a BAH to knock it into place (I have a 20lb sledge and I will protect the threads)-or- is there any adjustment in the rear bushings that bolt on to the diff? The frame has not been in an accident and is straight but my fear is when I boxed in the bridge, the metal may have distorted from the heat.

Tom C

Tom

Probably distortion from heat. I can't tell from the picture how welded in the rear pin brackets are. If you have welded all around the bracket, hitting it with a BAH may just bend the pin. I think it would be better to bend the bracket.

There are no adjustments on the bushings.

It looks like the rear left one (as photographed in the picture) needs to go forward (I assume the alignment of the front pins hasn't been altered).

Before hitting it with a hammer, I would probably try taking a pipe clamp (vise grips with a bicycle chain on it) and pulling the 2 pins together. Less chance of damage to the pin and threads. If that doesn't work then a BAH.

I don't know if you plan on adding the strengthening braces to the front pins but I would suggest you do that while you have it taken apart.

Good luck.

Mike Petryschuk

Michael Petryschuk

Hi Mike,
I haven't touched the front pins and they seem to be ok. The new frame has never been wrecked and the right font pin is still in place on the bridge and the bridge is not split (like my old frame).
So today, I went to that dark spot and the back yard and measured the old frame. Even though the front pin is split the measurements front to rear are different by 1/2".
I realize that just hitting the pin with bah is not going to help and I agree that moving the entire bracket is a better choice. I am not sure I want to move the pins together though. I think I need to attach to a stationary object apart from the frame so I don't screw up the front pins. The rear bridge was boxed in with 1/8" thick plate so it is goint to take a lot of force to move it.
Thanks,
Tom
Tom C

Tom

I agree with not anchoring from the front pin. I didn't consider possibly distorting the front one when I was thinking about it.

A liitle patience and effort and I am sure you can correct it.

Mike P.
Michael Petryschuk

FWIW, I had my rear differential tapped for a drain plug, and when reinstalling the diff., the front yolk did not line up with the mounting pins. It took me a while to figure out that the machinist had bent the yolk in his vice, when drilling for the drain plug. A 2x4 and a BAH got everything right again.
rch Hunt

Tom, nice work on the stiffening, you probably won't feel a difference but you have saved your self from the dreaded CRACK.
When I did mine I did have to hammer a little bit to get the posts to line up again but it is all fairly soft metal. If at all possible, mount the diff while the frame is upside down. Rising it up with a jack is NO fun at all!
Chris
T Trace

Hi Chris,
I had to make a small cut and tap the bridge with my BAH. I finally got the diff to fall into place. There isn't much tolerance on the urethane bushings.
Tom

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/1362409631_aaf3329832.jpg
Tom C

This thread was discussed between 02/09/2007 and 16/09/2007

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