Hilux diff into RA28 issues...

[MWP]

Hi all,

Ive just picked up my half finished hilux diff for trial fitting.
The mounts have been moved over from a stock RA28 diff onto the RN25 diff.
Im also fitting MA70 rear brakes using GTs/Peters brackets.

Two issues have some up.
I knew these problems would occour... but now im trying to work out the best way of solving them.

1) Panhard rod wont clear the diff center housing.

I did ask the diff shop to move the panhard rod mount out by 15mm, but the bastards forgot, so now im pretty much stuck with it in the factory position.

Any ideas on what i can do to fix this problem?
Im also going to make up an adj length panhard rod too, changing to spherical ends (aka rose joints) might be part of that as well.
Is putting a bend in the panhard rod a bad idea?



2) Dampers dont clear calipers.



Can anyone see any problems with me having the lower damper mount shifted as in the following image?
Im pretty sure there is no problem with doing this, but confirmation from some of you guys would be reassuring.



Thanks in adv.

[The Real Roadrunner]

putting a bend in the panhard is fine as long is its not sharp or (crushed) as it would affect its strength.

doing the shocks like in the second pic is fine also.
cheers
linden

[Big T]

Also keep in mind that a bend in the panhard will effectively make it shorter. The best option is to space out the mount like you originally wanted. When i get the chance, i'll post up a couple pics of a diff i built for someone that has the shock mounts moved vertically and the panhard mount spaced out.

Eddie.

[MWP]

Yeah, im going to do exactly that.
Cut off the factory weird mounting bolt, then weld a new mount over the top which will then take a new adj panhard rod with spherical (heim) bearing ends.

[ra_28]

I think from memory as well you have to use the left caliper on the right and the right on the left because where your brake line scews in it fouls on the right hand inner guard.

[SillyCarS]

i didnt have any dramas when i put mine in, though im still converting brakes over.

bending your panhard rod wont be an issue, i mean i have bent mine plenty of times while doing other things

like linden said make sure you dont have sharp bends, also i would heat it up after and let it cool down slowly. you will effectively strain harden the rod, meking it stronger but more susceptible to failure via brittleness. yeah, so heat it up and bend away!

[gianttomato]

1) OK to put a bend in the Panhard rod but as has been said it will shorten the length. If you were going to get an adjustable one at a later stage that would be fine but obviously you'd need to get a bend put in it. Better again would be to just move the mounting point.
2) OK to move shocker mounting point as illustrated. Just make sure you are not overly limiting the "droop" of your suspension using the shockers' maximum extension.

[Big T]

Here's the pic... probably not the best angle to see the panhard mount but its been cut at the diff and had the mounting plates extended about 20mm. These are r31 calipers on this diff but it has the same problem with caliper clearance. Just move them straight down and problem solved.

[bigmat]

mwp how much did you pay for your ma70 calipers and backing plate. cheers.

[MWP]

Thanks for the help/info all, +reps all around.

Looks like ill be making my own custom panhard rod & upper arms using 5/8ths high quality heim joins.
Kinda expensive, but should be worth it i hope.

I paid $170 (+$50 for shipping) for the calipers, rotors & backing plates.

[edit]
Well i would +rep, but i have to spread it around first

[bigmat]

can i ask where from. not in sa.

hows monday looking for you.

[MWP]

Derr, yeah i, should have said, from CVAP.

Mon is good, ill SMS you tomorrow (Sun).