Sunbeam Axle Swaps

NixVegaGT · December 10, 2007, 09:16:46 AM

I just read that the Mail Jeep D44 is a popular swap for the Sunbeam. That's the same for the Vega. What about other rears? I know the Mopar 8 3/4" is pretty short... Nice rig too.

BMC · December 10, 2007, 12:14:07 PM

Nicolas,

Another person from Mpls, fun. A converted Vega as well...

I am trying to figure out Exactly which one we have right now for a local Alpine converter. I'll post about it later, maybe it would give you some good ideas too.

-BMC.

peterglenk · December 22, 2007, 02:44:10 PM

How about a BMW M3 rear axle

peterglenk · December 22, 2007, 02:48:38 PM

peterglenk · December 22, 2007, 03:00:05 PM

rficalora · December 23, 2007, 09:28:05 AM

That's a nice looking IRS. How much torque can it handle? Also, with the single mounting point on the back, what keeps it from twisting? Are the front mounts enought to keep it from doing that?

peterglenk · December 24, 2007, 07:33:44 PM

There installing these diffs. in kit cobras behind stroked 351s, it is also used on M5s, the front has four mounting flanges to keep it from twisting, plus there is also aftermarket center sections if this one gives up.

NixVegaGT · December 27, 2007, 01:01:22 PM

Smart... I like it.

Jon Cain · December 27, 2007, 09:21:17 PM

Hi Guys

Just read this thread, I am interested in learning more about an IRS swap out..such as the one shown?

peterglenk · January 03, 2008, 05:31:29 PM

I started out my project like any one else has, drop a V8 into an Alpine no problem! Well it has become a mission to build a better Tiger. My doner car was a 1989 BMW M3. The whole rear cross member was going to be used and will fit in a Alpine, but the half shafts needed to be shortened and the crossmember also shortened, my bright idea was to make a new crossmember that would fit perfect in the stock car and it did. One year later every bit of sheet metal has been removed other than the outside body, I have built an all new frame using Art Morrison Suspension Components along with a complete IRS BMW Rearend, wilwood brakes and a Opel power rack steering gear. This is my car two years later.

NixVegaGT · January 08, 2008, 08:09:40 AM

WOW does that sound familiar! I ended up doing the same thing. Mission to make a better Vega. As I started disassembling the Vega there was just so much I thought should be changed that I ended up doing a lot more than an engine swap. LOL! I came to similar conclusions about the steering system and went with an Appleton Rack.

My point is I know where you're coming from.

Jon Cain · January 12, 2008, 10:29:48 PM

I am not sure I am as ambitious as you or able to redesign the entire rear suspension, which looks great and is probably a lot lighter than stock....One question I have is what was the width of the original Tiger axle from face to face...as it seems the 9" ford axle I have on mine is wider than original causing the wheels to sit outside the fenders....

Anyone know what that measurrment is?

peterglenk · January 15, 2008, 11:49:35 AM

Jon do you have the wheels and tires that your going to use on your car? If so this is a great way to check out how they look plus get the proper axle size, use 1/2" X 5' threaded rods to bolt your wheels to and to be able to adjust the wheels in and out for the best looks and clearence of your wheel wells, when you find the look your after measure the distance between the mounting flanges of the wheels. see picture

rficalora · January 15, 2008, 07:21:37 PM

Peter, Seems like you could do the same thing with the wheels/tires & no rod... move the wheels/tires in or out till there where you want them & then measure... what does the threaded rod add? I think i'm missing something.

BMC · January 21, 2008, 09:06:40 PM

Nicolas,

I just reread my posting that mentions that I will get back to you on what we have in this Alpine.

Its a Ford 8 inch. The rear wheel cylinders were terrbily wrong in size which was one more of our issues but we are going to have them sized down to 3/4" to give us a good pedal for the current master cylinder and front brakes.

Also, I should have another 8 inch Ford rear axle in here within a few days that a fellow wishes to sell. It will probably have less than ideal gears in it but there should be a complete assembly if your intereested. Reasons for less than ideal gearing- this Alpine is geared too high and we are pulling the gears out of the other 8". Give me a call or email if you want to know more.

-BMC.

NixVegaGT · January 22, 2008, 12:03:17 PM

Good thinking on the 8". Ford makes tough axles.

It's so busy here right now. I promise I'll be out to visit soon. My business is going crazy since the year changed. I've been trying to hook up with Kris for weeks now. Good thing he's patient!

old hp 260 · February 17, 2009, 10:33:24 AM

i also have a series V alpine that i want to upgrade 394 stroker sbc 5 speed trans. not sure about the front suspension? and an affordable rear? (i have a ford 9 inch already from a mid 80's bronco)) i enjoy all the post and pics. keep them coming as they might direct me in the direction for my alpine......