For those who are not aware of the variety of rear suspension options on the Factory Five roadster, these are as follows: 3 link, 4 link, 5 link (all use a solid axle) and independent rear suspension (IRS), on the Mk3.1 you have to decide on the type of suspension when ordering your kit, after a number of months considering all options I personally decided on the 3 link setup.
Basically until the introduction of a comprehensive non-donor IRS solution, the 3-link represents an excellent suspension alternative, and remains a good choice for a lower cost build.
As I am not using a donor for this build another decision concerned the axle, Ford have basically stopped manufacturing new 79-93 Fox axles with a 59.25” hub to hub spacing (this provides the best flexibility for wheel and brake choice) . The options were to salvage and re-build an axle from a scrap yard, purchase an already re-conditioned rear end or purchase a custom axle. After some consideration, I decided on the later (although the most expensive option).
The Moser Engineering 8.8 rear axle has the following technical specifications:
• The axle housing is stock 79-93 Fox Mustang width: 59.25” hub to hub.
• The axle has the 3-Link mount welded to the axle for increased strength.
• The axle housing is all new parts. The axle tubes are 3.00” OD x ¼” wall thickness DOM tubes that are pressed and welded to the center housing this makes them resist deflection 50% more than the stock 2.75” axle tubes.
• The axle housing is assembled with a 3.31 OEM gear set and a 31-tooth OEM Traction-lok differential.
• The axles are 31-spline Moser axles rated for 7,000 ft lbs., a 40% increase over the 28-spline OEM axles.
• Fox Mustang style Pinion flange
• OEM rear axle cover
• Housing and axles only weight is 120 lbs. This is 10lbs more than stock 87-93 housing and axles.
For me the major decision factor was that the banana bracket is already welded to the Moser axel.
Installation is straight forward, the only word of warning is to remember that the DS (Drivers Side) spindle needs to pass above the ¾” frame, and as such I would strongly recommend not installing the DS disk brakes prior to axle installation.As you can see the Moser axle is not painted, next job will be a couple of coats of POR15 black gloss, before final assembly.
Lookin' good Fraiser! Good progress.
ReplyDeleteHey, quick question. On your rear end the shocks are mounted body down, on the front they are mounted body up. Any reason for the difference?
John,
ReplyDeleteThe picture on page 239 shows the shocks body down, we installed them this way at build school and the rear Koni instructions that came with my kit also indicated this to be the correct orientation.
Hope this helps.
The progress is looking good! I am looking at buying a kit, but I'm not really sure what axle is best. Would you say the moser axle is good all around? Or is it only for specific car types? This will be my first car. http://stores.checkeredracing.com/brands/Moser-Engineering.html
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