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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Driveshaft choices

I am running a Rover 5 speed and a Ford 8" rear. Is the best choice to take the Rover shaft and have it shortened and a Ford rear yoke added? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Mark
Mark Marchbanks

I would think that'd work fine. Personally I just stopped by a driveshaft shop, told them how far it was between the back of the tranny and the front of the pinion (in my case there's just an MG rear with taller gears in it), how much power I was planning to put down someday (I'd like to see 260 at the wheels; might be a fairly tall order) and what kind of tranny and rear I had, and voila two days and $125 later I had a serious-looking, fully balanced driveshaft. It turns out that the Rover box has the same exact fitting as the MGB rear end in fact. The driveshaft that they made up for me is 2-1/2" in dia. or so. I wouldn't get a really fat one because it can foul the corrugated curved plate that wraps under it.
Terrence

Terrence, have you "really put down the power" with your V8 yet? My friend has a 3.9L EFI rover, and just broke his rear u-joint playing around.

He has a GM T5, with a Driveshaft out of a Camaro, that has a MGB rear U-Joint.

You said something about a Rover u-joint?? so he could mount the rover U-joint to his shaft and the plate would then mount to his rear axle properly?
Larry Embrey

I run a 4.6 with Rover SD1 box, prop (driveshaft) and rear axle. Within a few weeks I have stripped the UJ's and twisted the half shafts. I replaced the UJ's and see how long they last. The land Rover prop is meant to be a good alternative but you can have a specially made up prop made up in the UK for £100+.

Anyone recommend a US firm that could make up a custom made set of halfshafts with Rover SD1 spline and MGB 4 Bolt drive flange.

Paul
Paul

I've just had confirmation that a US firm Strange Engineering can make up my halfshafts. Anyone had any dealings with this company.

Paul
Paul

Larry, I don't have an MGB rear U-joint ... the one I got is somewhat larger but it bolts right up to the B pinion flange. Sorry to be of so little help, but I just deferred to the judgment of the guy in the nasty, dirty, grease-filled driveshaft shop. All I had asked him for was to use U-joints and an expansion collar that had grease zerks ... and he was like "sure, good idea". Anyhow all I'm saying is that by chance the flanges on both ends are the same, even w/the Rover 5-spd box. He told me it was a very standard flange pattern; who knows what other cars use it. As far as 'putting down the power', got a ways to go ... I had the car precisely weighed and borrowed a G-Tech meter ... tells me I am currently putting down about 215-220. I just changed to limited slip and maybe that will fry the driveshaft because the motor can't just spin one wheel, who knows. Nevertheless I don't exactly drag race the thing! (Just for kicks, I am going to try to get a dyno run done this summer, we'll see if there's anything more to be had ... think there is.)
Terrence

Paul,

I have not purchased anything from Strange, but I have known of them for years. Ask any of your drag racing friends. Strange Engineering is the biggest name in racing (especially drag racing) over here when it comes to parts from the driveshaft on back. Driveshafts, axles, spools, third members, etc. Telling someone that you are running Strange axles is like telling them that your engine has a Holley 1050 Dominator carb on it. It shows you mean business and are serious about your racing. Oh, they sell street axles as well as racing axles. Strange Axles are a name brand product (and high quality) and the price will reflect it. :)

Carl
Carl

Terence,
Thanks, that should be enough for me to help him out..
Larry Embrey

Terrence,
Can you give me youe E-mail address. I am working on a Volvo rear end for the B but need also a new driveshaft. Some info in the fabrication of this shaft would be welcome.
Werner.
Lynchburg is only 60 miles away. we might meet!
Werner Van Clapdurp

Mark, I'm using a similar setup to you.A Ford 8" diff. with a Rover tranny only mine's an auto. I found the best way to go was a Land Rover shaft with the rear Ford uni.fitted.With a Rover gearbox you need an external sliding joint on the shaft. The Land Rover has one & it's skinnier than a Rover sedan shaft It's also strong & has uni joints instead of CV joints plus the front flange will bolt straight on. HTHs Barrie E
BarrieEgerton

Carl,

Thanks for the info. The halfshafts will cost £400 from Strange - in the UK it would be about £1000+.

Paul
Paul

Barrie,

Sounds like a good idea. It took some searching, but I picked one up today.

Thanks,

Mark
Mark Marchbanks

The flange that we get from the local driveline supplier is a standard Spicer unit that is a direct replacement for the MGC flange. The Spicer number is 2-2-329. It is a direct bolt up to the Rover box and takes a 369 u-joint (MGC-early Camaro). Wholesales for $20. For a source of used slider sections, most 4x4 pickup front driveshafts will work.
Jack Emery

Terrence-
Please post your Email Address as I have a few questions and don't want to use up BBS space for personal stuff.
Steve S.

This thread was discussed between 27/03/2001 and 30/03/2001

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