A50 Rear Diff

Hi I own an Austin A50 (1955) I have heard of breakers yard in Ipswich that does Austin spares & has rear Diffs. Does anyone know of this guy or anyone else who supplies such spares? Thanks in advance Colin Suffolk.

Reply to
Colin Jacobs
Loading thread data ...

A long way from you I know, but Balby Motor Spares near Doncaster specialises in breaking classics.

Reply to
Chris Bolus

The 'same' diff is likely to have been used on a variety of BMC vehicles, although of course you need to check the ratio. I'd be inclined to change to a 3.9 to reduce the revs when cruising.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

I have the 'same' diff in my series II Oxford and I've been thinking about swapping it for a higher ratio. Any comments or advice greatfully accepted :-)

My Oxford sports a 4.875:1 ratio on 15inch rims and I was thinking about fitting a 4.3:1 diff from a series VI/A60. Unfortunately my Oxford's diff has coarse 'square' splines and the later diffs have 'star' splines. The other (possible) problem is that the 1489cc B-series is not exactly throbbing with power... will fitting a 4.3:1 ratio be too much for it? Will fitting twin SUs and a better exhaust system make it acceptable?

I suspect that a 3.9 would overdo things for a 1489, but I know of 1622 Farinas fitted with a 3.9 from the Australian Wolseley 24/80. That's not much help for those of you in England ;-)

regards,

Reply to
webmonster

This is exactly the swop I did on a '54 Magnette. Many years ago. And I remember wishing I'd gone for even higher gearing.

Ah - I didn't have that problem. I got the diff from an MG specialist who bought up old stock from dealers, etc. I *think* it came from an MGA.

You'll obviously have to change gears more often - but I'd say it will still be quite ok on motorways, etc.

Better to fit a 1622 and increase the torque? Or even an 1800?

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

The Magnette had a slightly higher 4.55:1 ratio IIRC. And the advantage of more aerodynamic lines ;-)

That would sound right. The change to 'star' splines seems to have happened when the 1622 Farina was introduced. I am hoping that I could take the spider gears from my diff and put them on a 4.3:1 diff, but I'm not sure if this would guarantee a noisy diff...

I would like to be able to cruise at closer to 60mph. Most NZ roads are one lane each way, and some people are most impatient. My Oxford currently cruises at 50-55mph. On the flip side, many NZ roads are hilly too, so I don't want to have too little hill climbing power.

I do have a complete Riley 4/72 1622 engine which I could fit, but I am a little torn in that my Oxford is beautifully original (and still with matching numbers etc). Another factor is that the 1489 will need a rebuild within the next few years. It has done 86,000miles now and is dropping oil out of the rear main onto the clutch plate.

Also, if I want wodges of power and torque I can take my (slightly worked) Isis out :-)

regards,

Reply to
webmonster

There was a change of ratio mid way through its run. Coinciding with larger carbs, etc.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.