FYI Rear Live axle configuration RT104GT

[RT104GT]

What may not generally be known and I throw it in here is the rear axle configuration of the 1973-1978 RT104/122 GT Corona was entirely designed by TRD and is nothing like a normal rear axle configuration.

The live axle housing has four welded brackets and does not fix to the springs via U bolts.

The axle is located to the body with two forward facing locating arms like in the Celica GT. These are pinned to the body and axle by large pin/rubber bushes.

The front of the leaf spring set is located conventionally and the rear using a standard spring hanger. BUT and here is the difference. The axle assembly is pinned to the spring set using a bush and a large steel pin over each leaf spring.

This permits the liberal application of power without any noticeable axle tramp and accomodates the F series semi slip diff.

Not a bad design for 1973 and very effective.

The setup was very tight and liberal application of power on wet roads with the Yokohamas of the day produced 180's easily. it was a prime reason why Toyota/AMI marketting development canned the car and decided not to risk importing them.

Under acceleration the axle is contained and cannot wind up or walk, so no rear shudder occurs and the car holds a good line on dirt under acceleration.

Different story on bitumen with the semi-slip diff. Serious problems in wet weather with poor tyres of the day (Yokohamas). The tyres wore out in 20,000 km on the rear also a problem.

Where Toyota lacked insight / foresight was to not provide rear discs to start with, though debateably I am informed rear discs are over rated in their ability and capacity except on heavy fast cars like 300ZX, Commodores, Supras and Skylines.

I can publish photos if anyone is still modding leaf spring rear ends.


Pictured is the rear in full rally configuration loaded in boot were four 20 litre jerry cans (3 fuel 1 water) and three spare tyres. ( In the rear seat area (seat removed) were a whole load of boxed Toyota Corolla Spares, snatch ropes and a winch for mud sections).





In this configuration we travelled from the NT border to Woomera in 1976 over the dirt in 10 hours averaging over 120 kph. Punctures notwithstanding which occured regularly once the speed was up as the sharp rocks kicked up by the front wheels impalled and penetrated the steel radials in the rear.