I wasn't planning this (much ) but have just got hold of an English axle at a price i couldn't refuse from a MKII Cortina with what seems to be with a 3.77/1 diff.
If I fit It will have to have a rethink about brakes / wheels etc. I think it may gave come off a GT or Lotus as it has the larger 9" drums, so would these be considered to large for the Minor or would it be better to go for some 8" ones bearing in mind I would very likely change the front brakes for something with a ford stud pattern (currently using re-drilled marina) Whats the general thinking on this?
The other thing is the prop length. crudely measured but the nose length of the diff only seems about 1/2" longer than the minor as I already have a custom prop fitted for a type 9 which has well over an inch of travel left & judging by the markings on it doesn't plunge by more than a mm so was wandering if I would get away without messing about with its length. although if it has to be done its no real problem
The Cortina axle, isn't that a few inches wider than the Escort one ( trouble with wheel selection ?)
We usually specify the 9" drums from the 2.8 Capri to fit to the Escort axle. We run our vented kit (either 260mm or 280mm versions) and the braking is just spot on.
You should have no more than 20mm ( in, out ) free play on the prop/gearbox end otherwise it will shorten its life span and can damage the end oil seal in the box.
jonathon wrote:The Cortina axle, isn't that a few inches wider than the Escort one ( trouble with wheel selection ?)
I think it might be as well.
A neigbour used to race a MKII Escort superstock or whatever. For a whole season he hauled around a spare axle only to find it was a MKI Capri item and too wide. I believe the Capri used the same width axle as the MKII Cortina hence my thinking it might not be suitable for a Minor.
Maybe a simple measure between brake drum outer faces might determine if it'd fit ?
The Capri MK1 axle was the same width as the Escort MK2. The Escort axle is 54" measured with the backplates removed. You will need an ET 15 -20mm wheel, ET 20 being the standard Ford rear wheel drive dimension. You could fit oversized rear wings if you use the Cortina unit.
Roughly measured the axle is just over 53-1/2 " from flange face to face which seems to be within an inch of the minor one at just over 53" . the chap I bought it from got it for a MK1 hes restoring but it was too wide for that & to the best of my knowlege the MKIII & capri used an atlas which was even wider
Excellent. The brakes currently on the axle have a sliding cylinder with a manual screw adjuster with a handbrake leaver similar to the minor but its behind the axle instead of in front. Is this the type you usually fit ? .I just need an idea of my braking options before I commit to this axle
I use english axle from later Capri [Mk ? ] on my hillclmber - most were Atlas type , some english .
Both I have used have been a lot wider than the Escort
Done a bit of research on the brakes & the ones fitted are a girling type the same as fitted to the Dolomite etc as it may prove difficult to connect the handbrake I think I may go for the escort ones & fit the hybrid cables as the brakes will need completely overhauling anyway .
) but have just got hold of an English axle at a price i couldn't refuse from a MKII Cortina with what seems to be with a 3.77/1 diff.
