Wanted Morris Ital Marina axle

[tony.g]

After doing a trackday in the Locoblade it is obvious i need to change the diff ratio.
At the moment i have got a Ford 3.54 and that is the lowest they do.
After speaking to a Caterham specialist i need a Ital or at worst Marina one.

[Jonkoxe]

Hi Tony,
I have a marina / Ital axle in the Marlin. I would not recommend changing from a Ford axle to a Marina one. They are nothing like as strong. Caterham used them on the later live axle cars, when the supply of Ford axles ran out. They had to brace them across the back with a huge plate and then baffle the inside of the casing to stop the oil from charging to the ends and spraying out all over the brakes on long fast corners. They also used to tack weld the bearings to the half shafts to stop them from moving about. They can really only handle a max of about 120bhp before they start eating diffs. Another issue you will have is the PCD. They use a 95.25mm PCD which is different from the Ford. It is getting very difficult to find wheels with this PCD now. There is no easy disc conversion available for the Marina axle either. James Whiting USED to do one that was VERY expensive http://www.jameswhiting.com/page9.html
Marlins are used a lot for classic trials. These guys all fit the Marina 10cwf van axle with a roller bearing conversion. This is a different axle, much stronger, has a different PCD and better diff ratio. Only problem is they are like rocking horse sh1t.
Hope this helps.

[Richard]

I know a few people will expect me to talk BMW so here goes 

BMW small case diff (Type 188) come in a range of ratios although the LSDs do sell for more than non-obviously.
You could also look at Scooby's and Mazda's but I do not know the ratios they come in.

BMW diffs can be found from 2.97 to over 4 in very small incremental differences.
Small case ones are found on E30/E36 3 series 4 cyl models, but with different mounting brackets.

So, it is going to depend on how much work you want / need to do in the cost decision.

['The Gaffer']

After speaking to a Caterham specialist i need a Ital or at worst Marina one.

Are these things really still available other than in museums?

[tony.g]

Thanks for the replies,
I know they were not a strong unit but the car only weighs between 400- 450 kg and has about 130 bhp.
James Whiting is the person i went to see, he is about 1/4 mile from where i live.

I don't want all the work of the indipendant rear surpension but the diffs do sound good

I'm not sure about museum, maybe scrap yard!!!!!!!!!!!

Anybody know of any other, maybe japanese live axles that are used?

[paintman]

    There is a chap down the road from me that has 2 ital estates in his back garden and spares scattered around.

    Do you want me to ask him if he will sell the diffs??

          Tony

[tony.g]

Yes please,I need the complete axle including brakes if possible,It doesn't matter what the diff is like as i need to change the crown wheel and pinion.

Tony

[paintman]

Right, see what I can do.    He's not there all the time but I'll try to catch him at the week end.

Keep you posted.....literally.

    Tony

['The Gaffer']

Sorry, I may have sounded a little facetious, it was not intended. I just feel the likes of the Morris Marina have a place in history but are still talked about by some as though there are still 30 billion of them on the roads .

Personally I cant remember the last time I saw a Marina on the road. As for trying to find a Marina in a scrap yard, best of luck Well done Tony!!

There maybe some Toyota's like the Land Cruiser or Hilux or even Land Rover Jeeps that have live axles but personally I think you may have to go diff / drive shaft route to get the choice of ratio's.

Maybe it's possible for specialists to rebuild live axles with different ratio's? Could be an option but very expensive.

Having said all that, I'm sure some others would call me a technophobe and point you in exactly the right direction

[Westiebusa]

Not quite of topic, but i need a 3:54 Diff as the one i have is shafted!! So if you want to sell yours give me a shout 

[paintman]

Right, see what I can do.    He's not there all the time but I'll try to catch him at the week end.

Keep you posted.....literally.

    Tony

Got you one!!

Managed to get hold of this bloke....... he's a bit eccentric i'll warn you.

He has quite a few complete axle assemblies at his house inc. 1300, 1800 and Ital. with all the sundries.     Says he wants about £30 for one.   How does that sound?

     Tony

[tony.g]

That sounds exellent!
You have PM.

Tony

[Dixie]

Not quite of topic, but i need a 3:54 Diff as the one i have is shafted!! So if you want to sell yours give me a shout 

I have a spare axle from a Mk 2 Cortina.  Drive shafts need shortening.

Mark

[Westiebusa]

Not quite of topic, but i need a 3:54 Diff as the one i have is shafted!! So if you want to sell yours give me a shout 

I have a spare axle from a Mk 2 Cortina.  Drive shafts need shortening.

Mark

Hi Mark,  you have PM