Mk2 rear axle

[Suzukimorris]

Hi folks, building me supercharged splitty at the mo, havin it for a daily drive so I'm aiming at a bullet proof 120 bhp 1275. In regards to a rear axle, jut wondered what other people had done? I know people do the escort, is it worth it? Is it just for the diff ratios, or are there other advantages? Also, what wheels are people slipping under the arches, will standard offset escort wheels fit.


Cheers very much

[charlie_morris_minor]

other advantage is that it is ford pcd so your choice of wheels is very larger..

you will not just be limited to escort wheels, not sure what offset you can use but if you speak to jono at jlh he could probably advise you.

[ratrodmog]

Mine is on an Escort Mk2 right now to take the power from a modified 1600 xflow which it should handle with ease. You'll be fine if fitting a 1275. They are good strong axles with loads of extras and easy to find spares. Only downside is they are getting harder to get like any classic part. Old Volvo axles are popular amongst hot rodders and easier to find.
As for wheels, you could easily fit a set of stock Escort steels under the arches. I'm currently running 14x8 dragslots which stick out about 2".

[plastic_orange]

The reason for swapping out an axle to a Ford or similar is that the minor axle isn't very strong, with broken halfshafts the main problem - even in standard tune. A well tweaked A series will destroy one in short order. Fit a Ford with suitable ratios and all will be fine.

Pete

[dantournay]

I have a Mk2 English axle under mine. More choices on ratio's, stronger halfshafts, limited slip diffs, brake upgrades and all at not too an excessive price. Also being 4 stud ford 108pcd Citroen, Peugeot and I believe some Saab & Audi wheels will fit. Go much above 200bhp though and you'll need a stonger Ford Atlas axle. IIRC I have standard halfshafts, a Quaife LSD and a 3.89 CW and pinion. It feels a bit revy on the motorway and 1st gear is pointless so I'll probably change the ratio at some point.

[bmcecosse]

A 1275 engine is very far from 'bullet proof' if producing 120 bhp.........

[MartinB]

Mine has a Mk2 Escort axle and withstood well over 400 bhp using 10" wide soft compound slicks in competition, admittedly with Quaife halfshafts and diff.
200 bhp or so is no problem for these axles unless you use very low diff ratios with very tall wheel/tyre combination when the torque increases on the halfshafts. I have heard of the axle tubes shearing in this situation with 300 bhp or so.

[madmoggy]

1275 is fine for bhp if built correctly