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MG TD TF 1500 - REAR END 4.55 CONVERSION

Have a crown and pinion 9/41, complete with bearings,from about a 1950 Morris Minor, to put in my 1952 TD.
Would appreciate if one of you could recommend what parts I require to install in my TD. E.G.gaskets, seals, bearings, spacers, U Bolts etc., etc.? And, should I purchase a new axle?
TIA- Cheers, Barry
C B Ryley

When I owned a TD a few years ago I uprated my rear axle and followed excellent instructions in a short book. I can't find it anymore but think the author's first name was Carl and his second name also began with a C. Perhaps someone has more details.


Jan T
J Targosz

The book that Jan refers to is authored by Carl Cedarstrand. I believe it is available for $17.95 from Moss Motors. Part number 212-350.

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

I should add that Bud's Ttalk site has an article about this as well.

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

Carl's treatise is mentioned in http://www.ttalk.info/RearEndConversion.htm There are a number of links to information about the conversion. Bud
Bud Krueger

Barry, I don't think a MM diff will work in a TD. It is much too small. You want one out of something like an MGA or MG Magnette.
Cheers, Hugh
H.D. Pite

I agree with Hugh. I believe you're out of luck with the MM Barry. An MGA or early MGB CW & P will fit. (4.3 to 1). Existing TD axles can be reused. I bought mine 3 years ago from Cambridge Motor Parts in England. They supplied all the necessary parts for the conversion. Apart from Carl's book, which is great for torque & horsepower curves & answers all the technical questions you could ask, the best article I've seen is "Virgin Rear End Conversion" which details both the process & the necessary parts. Just google & download it. It shows American MG Car Club members in action & what can be achieved just by utilizing the skills within the club. Terrific article. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Thanks everybody for all the great information. And, thanks Peter for that additional Virgin Conversion site information.
I have a 4.3 and a 4.1 out of an MGA as well, so i'll just have to decide which one to put in.
Hugh, are you going to the event in Victoria next month? If so, I'll see you there.
Cheers, Barry
C B Ryley

Hello Barry. Down here we usually put in 4.3's. I've only done three 4.1 for 1500's or really built 1250's. With the 4.1 get the top end, but the acceleration suffers as does hill climbing. The best combo is a 4.3 with a 5 speed tranie. That's out of almost 100 conversions I've done over the years.

Butch
VMG Southern California
R Taras

Barry,

If you have the crown and pinion from an early Morris Minor with the two-piece rear axle (non pumpkin) they will fit. The early Minor used an axle assembly that is virtually identical to the T-type except is I think 1.5” wider in track. All the internal parts are the same except the half shafts that are longer than your T’s. The 4.55 or the 4.3 ratios are great upgrades. I would not recommend the 4.1 as it will be too tall for the standard 1250cc unless you fit a blower. There are several methods to do the gear conversion, I’ve used them all with similar results. A few years back I picked up the factory tools to do the conversion at a swap meet for $25.00! Good luck with your project.

Cheers Terry.
A Peddicord

This thread was discussed between 11/08/2014 and 13/08/2014

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