movieboy4fun

Was doing some pre-measuring for my new axle spacers and found a small issue with my chosen set up. When I started the project I decided to buy just the FF axle shafts instead of the complete CV set up. I then had to order NEW A1Cardone axles for a T-Bird Supercoupe and disassemble then replace stock 1.2" axle shafts with FF 1.2" shortened axle shafts and Audi Outer CV boot. This was all good and went flawlessly till I went to check spacer size. First is picture of CV stub shaft from Tbird with 7.5"
as can be seen in picture there is two steps just behind the spline. The first has a step height of .275" X 2.200"dia and the small rebate behind that is .100" deep by 2.670" dia. This give a total depth of .375" from clamping face of CV. Keep this number in mind.

Second CV is from a Supercharged TBird and accepts the FF 18" axle shaft. As the picture shows there is only 1 step .275" X 2.200 dia.

So now the dilema, below is the CV dust seal on the back of the Miata hub.

If you look close you can see two lips on the dust seal, the lower lip accepts the 2.200" step on the outer CV and the upper lip sits .575" from the bearing race clamping face to the top of the dust seal lip and is 2.270" in Dia. So now a little math. .575 - .375 = .200 - the .200" spacer would work great with the 7.5" CV but will interfere by .100" with the larger 8.8" CV. So question being:
1 - Should I just cut a new spacer that is 2.200" outside X .300" deep or
2 - Chuck 8.8 CV in Lathe and quickly cut a second rebate to match 7.5 CV
3 - I am worrying about nothing and just need to get the project done.

I also noticed that my 99 Cobra CV's have a separate dust seal, I was not able to find a source for this seal and can't seem to get it off and don't feel it would help much anyways.



Any input appreciated on the matter, leaning towards just machining a .300" spacer as I havn't cut the .200" units anyways. I understand Martin's is .500" so obliviously its a moot point or Martin needs the extra length to help upper CV tripod engagement and has sacrificed the dust seal part.

Thanks
Dean0

cvx_20

I've run into this as well. My solution was to make the spacer to fit.

I'm pretty sure Martin's spacer dimension is not really relevant as he has "custom" axles, not the same as FF. Also he likes to use the 7.5 rear that is slightly narrower than the 8.8, which might affect the spacer length.

On another but relevant note, have you made any progress toward another axle solution?

Mike

movieboy4fun

Hello Mike,

Thanks for the reply, I pretty much realized I answered my own question at the end of the post, LOL. .300" it is. As to the axles, I have made a bit of progress but honestly haven't been able to spend the needed time. My GO FAST boat supplier will help and cut anything I want but bring your Donald Trump wallet with ya, bit pricey, $600.00 CAN for Martins shafts are a good deal. As to scrap yard axles I know I can find something to work, just don't have the time ATM. Next Miata will prolly be a 31 spline explorer rear with aftermarket 930 CV's, 31 spline 930 CV stub shafts and buggy axles, F150 outer CV's and Intrepid hubs. This will give me 5 bolt and the only pricey pieces seem to be the 31 spline - 930 CV stub shafts; for a cheap a$$ DIY'r like me. I can also get my stock 99 Cobra axles shortened easy on the upper CV as its not a tripod and uses a standard 28 F0RD spline that my local shop can cut, however it falls outside the hardened zone so I still have to send them out to be heat treated adding again to the cost. 1st world problems, lol
Thanks again

Dean0