Morris Minor Owners Club

Our minor's final drive seems to have a lot of whip or slack movement, not sure how to measure it but it seems like at least an inch of free movement each way, while the car drives reasonably well you can hear and feel the slack when changing gear.
Can the diff be overhauled or will it be scrap?
What markings are there to tell me what ratio it is?
How could I check a second hand one to know if was good or not?
Cheers Steve.

How could I check a second hand one to know if was good or not?

In exactly the same way as you checked yours!

I’m guessing your differential is still mounted in the axle casing? What do you mean by “1 inch”? Back-lash is usually quoted as degrees, unless the item is stated.

Of course differentials can be overhauled - lots(?) of reconditioned ones available. Can, of course, be scrap - dependent on its condition internally.

The ratio can easily be calculated from physical measurement, although, usually, the crown wheel and pinion tooth counts are stamped on the differential casing.

There are other causes of ‘slackness’ or ‘whip’ while driving - usually within the mountings of the rear axle to the chassis.

As regards overhauling the diff - unless you have the knowledge and/or tools to do the job the best option is to purchase a good S/H unit.
As above the diff ratio is stamped on the rim of the alloy diff housing so no dismantling required to find out what the diff ratio is.
As above - if there is no backlash and/or roughness to be felt when the diff pinion is turned that is a good indicator that all is well with the diff offered for purchase.

If your anywhere near the Kent / east sussex area I would be happy to check / reset it,
we build a lot of diff's, both open and lsd for road and race cars,

Steve

Thanks philthehill, that's all I wanted to know really.
And Steve Philips have you a contact number? Are you in Kent or Sussex?
Im in essex so could easily bring it to you.
Steve.

We are 5 minutes from junction 5 of the M25, just outside Sevenoaks, Kent.

Please call 01959 565773, 9 - 5.30 Mon to sat

Steve

Thanks.