differential brace

PostPost by: enskr » Sun Jul 06, 2008 9:52 am

I'm about to change the differential in my S4 SE from a whining 3.77:1 (I think) to a rebuilt 3.54:1 from an escort RS2000, which is close to the original Lotus 3.55:1 that it should have. Whilst I'm at it I would like to fit a differential brace, as used on the sprint - does anybody have a spare one of these for sale (preferably UK), or can anyone point me at a (dimensioned) drawing so I can make one?
Any other hot tips on changing diffs whilst I'm down there?
Thanks
Kevin
enskr
First Gear
First Gear
 
Posts: 46
Joined: 28 Jan 2004

PostPost by: types26/36 » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:42 pm

There is a diagram in the files section of elan.net mailing list, I have attached a pic incase you cannot access it and you might want to read this thread
http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1609
Attachments
Sprint_Diff_Bracket_V2 (Large).jpg and
Brian
64 S2 Roadster
72 Sprint FHC
User avatar
types26/36
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 3872
Joined: 11 Sep 2003

PostPost by: garyeanderson » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:37 pm

$65 fron Ray at RD Enterprises

http://www.rdent.com

Differential Stiffening Bracket


Introduced by Lotus on the Elan Sprint, this part can be installed on any Elan or Plus 2. The brace connects the two differential mounting bolts and picks up one bolt on the differential housing, strengthening the overall assembly to prevent damage to the differential mounting "ears." Highly recommended for any Elan or Plus 2, whether equipped with rotoflex couplings or c-v rear axles.

Ref. 36R0033 $65.00

Image
User avatar
garyeanderson
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 3391
Joined: 12 Sep 2003

PostPost by: bcmc33 » Sun Jul 06, 2008 3:07 pm

TTR list the brace at ?20 + VAT. Hardly worth the effort in trying to make one.

You can fit the brace only with the diff in situ, and you will need a bolt about 20mm longer than the existing one.

My experience when reassembling recently was that I could not get the longer bolt into the tube due to it fouling the chassis. I cut a slot in the tube, partly engaged the bolt which enabled the brace to be slid into place.

Don?t forget to fit both large washers to the Frustacone mounts.
Brian Clarke
(1972 Sprint 5 EFI)

Growing old is mandatory..........Growing up is optional
User avatar
bcmc33
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 1825
Joined: 10 Apr 2006

PostPost by: richboyd » Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:12 pm

Brian said: "Hardly worth the effort in trying to make one."

On a monetary basis, I agree. But ... there is satisfaction to be had.

If you have rudimentary welding skills and modest equipment, then it is a fairly easy project. And you have the satisfaction of seeing the product of your own hand.

Much of the reason we own Elans is to work on them ourselves. I view the construction of a differential brace as a continuation of this spirit.

I made one for my Elan (used the plans above:Sprint_Diff_Bracket_V2.jpg). It came out pretty nice. It was easy. It was fun. It was satisfying. But it was not economically sound (Brian is right).

Rich Boyd
User avatar
richboyd
Third Gear
Third Gear
 
Posts: 275
Joined: 12 Sep 2003

PostPost by: enskr » Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:59 am

Sincere thanks to all for the advice and information. I have to say that I agree with Rich regarding the "satisfaction" aspect. Besides, it really doesn't look that hard to make, given the excellent drawing above, so I'm going to give it a go.
Kevin
enskr
First Gear
First Gear
 
Posts: 46
Joined: 28 Jan 2004

PostPost by: billwill » Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:08 pm

Where does this fit ???
Bill Williams

36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
billwill
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 5060
Joined: 19 Apr 2008

PostPost by: RotoFlexible » Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:51 pm

billwill wrote:Where does this fit ???

On top of the differential, between the "ears" and the Lotocone mounts through which the mounting bolts pass. Looking at the photo posted earlier, mentally rotate the bracket 90 degrees toward you - then the holes are on top. The mounting bolts pass through these holes. The long replacement bolt goes through the bushing in the brace, which is now horizontal. It's a tight fit.
Andrew Bodge
'66 Elan S2 26/4869
I love the sound of a torque wrench in the morning. Sounds like... progress.
User avatar
RotoFlexible
Fourth Gear
Fourth Gear
 
Posts: 679
Joined: 01 Sep 2005

PostPost by: AlfaLofa » Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:11 pm

bcmc33 wrote:and you will need a bolt about 20mm longer than the existing one.


I was thinking about getting a brace for my S1 - but I have noticed that my workshop manual shows that the the two halves of the differential casing are allegedly held together by studs and not bolts.

I'm now too past-it to get under the car to have look, so can anyone confirm that studs were used on the S1?

Getting a stud out of the casing and replacing it with a longer stud is probably impossible without removing the diff - unless someone knows better.
Steve
'64 S1 Elan (Owned since '73)
'69 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider Veloce (Owned since '77)
'70 Morris Minor 1000 (Owned since '85)
User avatar
AlfaLofa
Fourth Gear
Fourth Gear
 
Posts: 513
Joined: 19 Aug 2006

PostPost by: paddy » Mon Sep 05, 2011 7:42 pm

Mine has bolts. It is the early type casting (with the non-script "Lotus" lettering). I have no evidence that it was ever taken apart (I'm pretty sure the bearings were original when I got to it) but can't say for certain.

Paddy
1963 Elan S1
User avatar
paddy
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 1196
Joined: 27 Oct 2008

PostPost by: ceejay » Mon Sep 05, 2011 8:55 pm

Live your dream-wear your passion.
http://elantrikbits.com/lotus-elan-blog/
ceejay
Fourth Gear
Fourth Gear
 
Posts: 623
Joined: 27 Mar 2007

PostPost by: bilcoh » Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:28 am

I've got a 66 S2. Diff is out of the car (as well as everything else), so a quick check shows I've got bolts, not studs.

Hope that helps,

Dave
Dave
'66 Elan S2 - 26/4378
User avatar
bilcoh
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 164
Joined: 10 Jul 2011

PostPost by: Vaughan » Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:07 am

I've only ever seen bolts on standard assembly, for my race diff I've always chnaged them to studs.

Cheers

V
Vaughan
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 51
Joined: 11 Apr 2009

PostPost by: 106500 » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:12 pm

AlfaLofa wrote:
bcmc33 wrote:and you will need a bolt about 20mm longer than the existing one.


I was thinking about getting a brace for my S1 - but I have noticed that my workshop manual shows that the the two halves of the differential casing are allegedly held together by studs and not bolts.

I'm now too past-it to get under the car to have look, so can anyone confirm that studs were used on the S1?

Getting a stud out of the casing and replacing it with a longer stud is probably impossible without removing the diff - unless someone knows better.


Definately virtually impossible even with a Spyder chassis which has a cut out. Not enough purchase on a small ring spanner and believe me I tried! I ended up fitting the brace but without the Diff bolt - which partially defeats the object - I'll have to wait until one day when i need to remove the diff to do the job properly...
106500
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 52
Joined: 18 Feb 2004

PostPost by: SubaruPaul » Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:28 pm

Just installed one within the last couple of weeks. It was a pain to get that "center" , lateral bolt which goes into the rear cover of the diff. I tried with it tight and getting the diff. in place was a pain. Bad shoulder so I didn't bother with the usual many minutes of tussling. Instead I loosened that bolt and was able to more easily (still a little tricky) get that diff. in place.

Bolt heads at bottom , nuts up top.

I also installed a small marine type port as others have done , for ease of access to the diff. for filling.
Cheers!
SubaruPaul
First Gear
First Gear
 
Posts: 48
Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Next

Total Online:

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 18 guests