Which solid driveshaft conversion?

[tdafforn]

I've been using the TTR sliding splines for >4years.
Not noticed any problems, just have to grease them every year.
Tim

[bcmc33]

A lot has been written on this subject in the forum, and in response to that I changed both diff shafts and wheel spindles for TT billet parts during a recent rear suspension overhaul.

It depends on what parts are currently on your car. From what I remember, Lotus upgraded the shafts and spindles with higher grade steel (from 30 tonne to 45 tonne material) to cope with the increased output (130 BHP) of the Big Valve engine. My engine is about 150 BHP and that?s why I decided to play safe and change to the 100 tonne billet material parts. Expensive, but safe.

[Robbie693]

I've been using the TTR sliding splines for >4years.
Not noticed any problems, just have to grease them every year.
Tim

Sorry to hijack slightly, though it seems Jono has made his mind up about what to buy, so I hope he won't mind..

I've been greasing my TTR shafts and was wondering how you know how much grease to inject into the spline area?

The uj's themselves are easy to tell as grease comes out of the joints but what about the splines in the middle?

Sorry if I'm being thick..

Robbie

[tdafforn]

I just pull back the gator and pump until it starts coming out from the spline.
What grease do you use?
Tim

[Robbie693]

Ah, didn't do that - I've only done one side at the moment - I was pumping away expecting to see some grease appear (before I noticed there were separate nipples for the uj's ), probably about 15 strokes. Have I put too much in? What happens if you do?

I was advised by TTR to use Moly grease as that is what they put in themselves on assembly. I don't think you can mix Moly and LM (?)

Robbie

[davidj]

I know the TT shafts have been round for a while, but I cannot see why anyone now would wish to use uj's and a greased splined shaft when the more modern CV joint is available.

David

[bcmc33]

FWIW, I would 'grease' these with a 70/30 mix of gear oil and a good quality Lithium grease. This make an adequate semi-fluid grease which is perfect for the application - also for the trunions.

You can buy semi-fluid grease from the usual sources, but I guess we all have oil and grease in our garage

[chrishewett]

Jono,
I believe that the output shafts will eventually break, especially if they are the earlier type as most are. Mine broke shortly after fitting the Miller shafts. It had obviously been on the way out for a long time and the lack of cushioning from the rotoflexes tipped it over the edge. I have now noticed that the diff torque rod bushes are shot, I suppose because of the same reason.
I think that the advantage of fitting the cv shafts is increased reliability. If this is negated by the increased chance of the output shafts breaking then there doesn't seem much point.
Of course it is up to you! These are just my thoughts.
Chris

[Carlos A]

First let me say that I do not have idea which one is the best driveshaft conversion. I know nothing about this issue. But my mechanic and friend George Ross, an engineer, lotus specialist and owner of an Elan + 2 (I trust him completely), studied this question carefully. He examined several conversions; among them, Miller?s, Spyder?s and Elantrikbits?. He concluded that the Australian guy (Elantrikbits) had the best one and recommended me either that one (first choice) or the Spyder hybrid conversion (as a second option). He explained his reasons to me (weight, finishing, attention to detail, this driveshaft being gentle with the car, super-easy to instal, etc). But again... I am clueless and simply have to trust the guy. So I am going that way!

[Phil W]

I am completely happy with the Performance Unlimited "pair of u/j's with a sliding spline" which have served me well for many years,just had to renew one of the u.j's last month and have made them even better by fitting rubber boots over the u'j's to keep the road crud off them....

John

John.
Do you know where I can get a set of rubber boots to replace the split one over my sliding spline as I have the same inherited set up.

[john.p.clegg]

Phil

For the centre section I found that universal steering rack covers (some with rubber steps-trim to diameter) fit a treat,with a cable tie either end.

John

[Phil W]

Cheers John.
Car passed its MOT first time last week but can't currently get it out of the garage as got both my son & daughters car on the drive as well as mine and the wifes!