Damaged diff case

[brucek]

Years ago, I was given a 3.9 diff from an MG Midget along with a whole box of other stuff. I put it away, into the deepest recesses of the garage, knowing that at some point I would use it on my convertible once the 1275 engine and 'box was ready to be fitted. Now that this is getting nearer to reality, I dug the diff out and noticed that the flange where the rear 3 way brake pipe union mounts has sheared off. I'm not sure how this happened and I'm sure it was probably like this when I was given it. As far as I know, the diff itself is fine. Obviously I don't want to have to buy a replacement just for this small bit of damage so I was figuring that I could mount the 3 way union on the opposite side and perhaps, if the original will not fit, source a slightly longer flexible hose to reach the extra distance. Would this work or have I missed something? Welcome any comments. Any other fixes that folks have done out there? Attached a couple of photo's so you can see what the issue is. [frame][/frame][frame][/frame] Thanks

[chrisryder]

Probably broken by someone struggling to undo the bolt, or it was dropped at some point, and happened to land on that bit, which is weakened by the hole in it.

Not all diffs had that hole anyway. I've seen a lot that have an L shaped bracket that pics up on one of the nuts that holds the diff into the axle, and then the L has a hole in for the T piece to bolt to.

Shouldn't be terminal by any means, unless it was dropped, and other damage has occurred too...

[Declan_Burns]

I would just drill another hole and use a Z shaped bracket and leave the brake pipe undisturbed.
Regards
Declan

[brucek]

Good call - hadn't thought of that

Thanks guys

[bmcecosse]

It will be fine! Just anchor the pipes with a fabricated bracket.

[MarkyB]

Another vote for drill another hole.
Before you think of fitting it get it scrupulously clean.
Once you think it is clean try turning the propshaft drive end and listen for any dodgy grinding noises.

[katy]

Ditto on the new hole and fabricated bracket.
As it's been sitting a long time you might consider repacing the pinion seal while you're at it.

[welshrat]

I probably would not bother with drilling a new hole, two large flat washers will do the job. Mine is currently held in place with a cable tie.