cdg Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 Does anyone know how a De Dion set-up compares to a BMC live axle for weight, all else being equal? I did a search, but couldn't find any actual figures amongst the "for" and "against" discussion! Many thanks, Chris. Edited by - cdg on 13 Aug 2002 15:08:56 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Mupferit Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 The Ital live axle is a good deal lighter than De Dion but don't know the exact figures. Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miraz Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 Can't help with the live axle figures, but this should cover the de-dion setup. Sprung mass:- LSD diff 21.5kg Rear A frame 2kg Rear anti. roll bar 1.6kg Unsprung mass:- De-dion tube 7.8kg Drive shafts (pair) 14kg - (or 10kg has the most recent shaft design) Rear disc & hub 9.2kg Rear bearing 2.8kg Rear caliper (Standard) 6.2kg Rear Ears 1.8kg Fastenings Rear suspension 3kg Rear top susp. arm 1kg Miraz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 I've heard rumours of 30Kg as its not just the wieght of the bits, the chassy is also different (re lighter) Greg, Q 86 NTM (Green 185BHP XF) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooby dooby doo Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 oooh... 4kg saving by switching to new drive shafts... and my current shafts are knackered as the gaitors and radius arms had a fight.... hmmm... HOOPY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthewwatkiss Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 Horay for live axles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmandsd Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 Whole English axle assembly including: case with mounts Quaife Group 4 Atlas shafts and flanges Complete diff assembly with alloy casing Brake discs and calipers = 50kgs (although mine's 40kgs ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revin Kevin Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 According to the book I read 35k lighter overal , axle and chassis, HOORAY AGAIN for live axles Obviously they don't handle as bad as a lot of people will have you believe , fireblades don't do bad! REAL SEVENS HAVE IRON B'LOCKS CHEERS CHRIS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmandsd Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 ...........and they're not making them any more ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Mupferit Posted August 13, 2002 Share Posted August 13, 2002 .............so therefore more exclusive! 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdg Posted August 13, 2002 Author Share Posted August 13, 2002 Thank you one and all. 40kgs Dave? Crikey that's heavy... Chris. Edited by - cdg on 13 Aug 2002 22:29:28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Perry Posted August 14, 2002 Share Posted August 14, 2002 Has anyone weighed the whole Ital axle set up like Dave has with his heavy duty Ford one ? From comparing the numbers between the De-Dion and a Standard English axle there seems to be about 15 or so kg in it . The Ital one should be much lighter though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted August 14, 2002 Share Posted August 14, 2002 Of more importance,the live axle transmits more power to the wheels (less mechanical loss) so better performance. If you get the two cars side by side try to push them when out of grear. The live axle car will be a lot easier to roll. This can easily equate to 15BHP, according to Chris Wheeler at The Seven Workshop! Live axle, Kent based engine, aeroscreens - you can't get better! Small Boy - with Loud Toy! See Eugene here and Lotus@Herts here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthewwatkiss Posted August 14, 2002 Share Posted August 14, 2002 So it is clear, they are lighter and transmit power to the wheels more efficiantly. So what are the bad points again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmandsd Posted August 14, 2002 Share Posted August 14, 2002 Although i've got a live axle car I'm not convinced in the theory of increased transmission losses via a de dion set up. You can push an open diffed car easier than an lsd equipped one, even in a straight line if that's what you mean ? An Ital axle with iron diff nose and standard shafts is probably 5-10 kgs lighter than an English axle with alloy diff nose and h/d shafts i.e. 40 - 45 kgs including drum brakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdg Posted August 14, 2002 Author Share Posted August 14, 2002 Dave, BMC diff carriers are alloy. Total weight with a free 4.5 to1 diff (i.e. mine) is only 11.5kg. My axle is very light as it uses Mk1 Mini Cooper discs and calipers, and one side of the axle tube has been shortened to allow an offset diff. and 10" wide wheels. There's no way it would handle the sort of power your BDG produces ( even though it has Quaife half shafts and Ford planet gears), as the BMC cw/p are made of chocolate! It struggles with 180bhp. I was just being devillish... Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmandsd Posted August 14, 2002 Share Posted August 14, 2002 That is bloody light isn't it ! If you're only got 180bhp though why have more than is absolutely necessary. Sounds like a nice little set up Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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