Sierra suspension on Cortina rear end

[Dixie]

My rear suspension on my Cortina based Viper is crap.

Has anyone tried putting the more up todate Sierra IDS rear end a Viper.

Thanks

Mark

[dolphinboy400]

my part built viper is sierra based and the complete rear suspsension went in pretty easy, but that was from beginning the build i dont know how difficult it would be to do on a completed car if thats what you got?
We did have to change the springs for sierra/granada estate springs and shocks too i think. I can check for you if you want with my pathetic excuse for a build manual

Danny

[kevchard]

Hi Mark
It will be a major mod, but i think you find it will be worth while. We are going to do the same next year with a Granada back end. We were going to use the complete sub frame from the Granny, which is very similar to the sierra (except for bigger diff and 5 stud wheels).
The list of mods to get it working is big, but if you know someone good at welding then it will not be impossible.
I have a mate with a complete Sierra LSD back end if interested.
Cheers
Kevin
PS Look toward some of the early pilgrims to see how they have fitted a sierra backend. I have some pics if you want some of the Sierra back end (not mine).

[dinosoar]

It might be worth considering a de dion with the sierra diff and hubs instead of the trailing arms.
Have a peek at the pics on my website for some ideas.

Andy

[Dixie]

Was thinking of modifying the trailing arms. I was going to remove the void bushes, make some new arms and fit with poly bushes. Also going to fit a Panard rod.

The idea of modifying the trailing arms is to change it to 5 link suspension, but attached to a live axle, should work well.

I have found a Cortina axle on E-Bay, I thought of modifying that instead of altering my existing axle, If it doesn't work I haven't ruined a working set up.

[Dixie]

have considered selling the car, but not sure yet, got the winter Blues, just cannot seem to move forward with it.

There is a lovely AK for sale at Soveriegn cars, but they want £20K, reckon my wife would devorce me!!!!!!!

[kevchard]

Give me a shout if you want a cheap axle .
Cheers
Kevin

[Dixie]

Hi Kev.

Yes please mate. What type is it and how much? I travel past Donny most weeks on my way to Goole.

Thanks
Mark

[kevchard]

Originally Posted by Dixie

Hi Kev.

Yes please mate. What type is it and how much? I travel past Donny most weeks on my way to Goole.

Thanks
Mark

Hi Mark
You are coming to see us anyway soon aren't you?
It is a Type B, out of a 2 litre. It has a good diff, but the 1/2 shaft are the wrong ones. The casing is spot on and very solid.
I have fitted 2 new void bushes in the top (B#####d of a job).
I got stiffed off ebay seller when i bought it as he didn't say the half shafts supplied were the wrong ones.
There are 2 distinctive castings for the axles, type b is most common and has a bigger diff. Type A and B have different locations for prop flange. I actually have both axles here spare (long story).Type A was small engined MKIII Corty, Type B was larger engine late MKIII,MIV,MV. It is in the haynes manual. After weekend i will dig pics out if interested.
I'll PM price to you.
Cheers for now.
Kevin

[Dixie]

Hi Kevin.

I don't have your knowledge on the subjectof diffs and axles, all I know is that my axle and diff are from a MK5 Cortina Estate.

I have had an idea of what to do with the whole suspension set up, I will try and explain, may be total bo***cks, but I cannot see why it won't work. I plan to use inboard coil overs, linked by actuating rods on rose joints, similar to the front end of the new Robin Hood Seven.

First job, remove fuel tank, this will need to be modified later.

I reckon that the cross members that hold the short springs can be removed and springs thrown away, and a a new adjustable bars made up with poly bushes. The other short rods that are connected to the axle at an angle can be replaced with adjustable rods again with bushes, then finish off with a Panhard Rod. This will give 5 link adjustable suspension!!!!!?????

The existing bottom bracket on the axle can be re-used for the connecting rod. The top damper mount on the chassis can hold a "Bell Crank" this can then be connected to the coil overs that go across the chassis inside the boot, very close to the modified fuel tank. A strong bracket/Anchor can be made and welded to the Chassis floor pan to attach the other end of the coil overs. The compressive forces will be transmitted down and through the chassis that is very strong at this point. Also because both sides of the axle will be transmitting compressive forces on to a combined anchor point, the forces will nearly cancel each other out, so the size of this anchor will be manageable.

I am now going to sit down for a while. Looks ok on paper.