Narrowing a 14 bolt...

[lowtideride]

I have an offset t-case and need to narrow a 14 bolt I picked up to match. If I shorten the long side axle tube to the same length as the short it will work out perfectly.

I have to find out if the tube is sleeved at the end much like the front cruiser axle. That would allow me to cut .5 into the tube pop the end off. Cut the tube down to length and slide the end back in and weld it. Thats all if the tube is sleeved.

Or I have to some how remove the tube from the 3rd, cut to length and machine it back to down to slide it back in and weld it... None of that seems fun.

Or sleeve the tube, find some DOM tubing to sleeve the inside of the axle tube. Slide it back together (after its cut to length) and weld it.



Any ideas would be cool, I have to break down the axle and see if the ends are sleeved or not.
-Al

[Mace]

IIRC the ends are not sleved like a cruiser Al, the spindles are welded on.

Steve Gerstner of Differential Engine - Winter Haven, FL - Home would be a great resource for you to chat with about it and is in your neck of the woods.

[Sputnik40]

Holy Krap Batman! Thanks for the link Mace, will be looking him up when I figure out my D60 project needs.

Al - Guessing you found your new rear axle?

Originally Posted by Mace

IIRC the ends are not sleved like a cruiser Al, the spindles are welded on.

Steve Gerstner of Differential Engine - Winter Haven, FL - Home would be a great resource for you to chat with about it and is in your neck of the woods.

[lowtideride]

I suurrrreee did.

Ill see if I can get a hold of them tomorrow.


But with out talking to them, I think I am going to go with the sleeve approach. Wondering what they will say.

[adamsclarke]

Your easiest bet is to cut the tube after the spindle, cut out the section you need, and sleeve the 2 peices together. With 2 good passes on 1/2' wall tubes and a sleeve..it'll hold.

Removing the tube completely would a real pain

[lowtideride]

Originally Posted by adamsclarke

Your easiest bet is to cut the tube after the spindle, cut out the section you need, and sleeve the 2 peices together. With 2 good passes on 1/2' wall tubes and a sleeve..it'll hold.

Removing the tube completely would a real pain

Ive talked it over with a few people and it looks like thats the plan...

Ill post up when I have some more info...

I hopefully will have the axle tore down tomorrow night...

-Al

[LC_Hamma]

I bought this 14 bolt already cut down w/ the sleeve method used. Uses a Moser pass side short shaft:

[GreasedPiggy]

Got this done by one of the better shops in town:


They used the sleeve method on it.

While they were at it they TIG welded the housing to the tube
as the tube can rotate in extreme cases.



Now I just need to get it shaved...
(the bottom of the housing)

George

[lowtideride]

Awesome to hear guys...

Thank you for the post and pictures...

Ill will post up progress as I go.



-Al

[Mace]

Originally Posted by GreasedPiggy

Got this done by one of the better shops in town:
Attachment 206496

They used the sleeve method on it.

While they were at it they TIG welded the housing to the tube
as the tube can rotate in extreme cases.
Attachment 206497


Now I just need to get it shaved...
(the bottom of the housing)

George

NICE work!

BTW, Al,
He has a point. Welding the center section to the tubes is important. Unless you tie the upper link mount into the pinion cartrdge (refrence the BTF 14 bolt upper link mount).. Then you are fairly well supported..