Atlas Axles modifications

[wazling]

I'm bust at the moment preparing myself for that Cosworth Power. I've an Auto shell with a nuce big gear tunnel with a 2.1 lump in at the moment.
In the preparation, I'm looking at the back end which I plan to 4 link with a Watts linkage, guess that makes it a 6 link set up, with coil overs etc..
As for the axle, quite a few of you seem to buy a 2.8i Special or Brroklands Capri axle with the LSD (for obvious reasons) and get it modified.
The capri axle is I believe 52" long and needs shortening to get it under the un arched Mk II Escort.
Here's my questions,
1) There seems to be some other mod that involves operning out the LSD splined holes for bigger stronger shafts etc. Could somebody give me more detail please
2) What length do you end up with if you go with the HT Racing choice, the Standard Escor axle length (whatever that is....) or something else.
3) Anybody got an idea of costs for the whole lot.
4) Finally, I have the option at the moment of a Baby Atlas (48.5" long) ,is this prety much the same thing. And, which is the best option to go for. I assume the shafts are std thinkness but other than that, a good cheaper option to go for.

I know Kev and his brother have the HT set up but if anybody has some advice for the best way to go, please go for it.

[FOSSIE]

1) Upgraded 1/2shafts have a larger diameter spline on the "diff" end than the standard capri shaft. It's 18teeth rather than the capri's 16teeth. As a result, the shaft is too big to fit through the hole in the LSD housing - so it has to be opened out. Dead simple job in a lathe, it's just a smooth hole. Using these shafts, however, also means you have to fit new side gears inside the LSD - with the corresponding 18tooth female spline. I've got pictures of all this if it would help?

2) I don't know what length HT racing's axles are - I seem to remember Kev saying his was a bit narrower than a baby atlas.... If you are having an axle narrowed, it could be made any width within reason. For example - RetroAL's mk1 (see the old school section) has a 47.5" Atlas, since he went for huge wheels. But you can get up to and including a 50" atlas under standard arches, if you use the right offset/width wheels. Normally, you would go for a "baby" width axle in an unarched escort though - thats 48.5" casing - same as an English
3) Cost - how long is a piece of string. Anything up to £4k for the dog's danglies. Have a look at my website for some guide prices...
4)The baby atlas you talk of.... It all depends on how much it is, and what you are aiming for in terms of strength/reliability. If you are going for special halfshafts - then there's no need to buy a baby atlas in the first place. If you're doing it on a budget, then stick an LSD in that baby atlas and you'll be up and running (save for some brackets and brakes etc)

There's a really huge thread in the tech archive on Axles - most of your questions will be answered in there.

Hope this helps a bit - keep firing questions if it doesn't...

cheers
Tom

[Clint]

I really wouldnt hesitate now, just get one done by Tom (FOSTEK).

If you have the money go for a fully floating setup, everyone with 2 piece shafts I know have suffered from the wobbly spline syndrone after a few thousand miles, however Toms own 2 piece shafts have some good improvements over the other offerings (Quaife etc)

Tom is doing a anxle for my new car as we speak, I am amazed by his knowledge about these axles.