Need advise for rear-end conversion

[daaboots]

Hi

I want to convert my solid rear axle setup to either a double A arm or a trailing arm configuration, but I'm not really sure where to start. Here is what I'd like (or have) to work with:

- limited funds (would like to keep it around $750ish for the project)
- would like to use common cv axles from some type of car
- only looking for 8-10" of travel
- no differential
- chain drive
- only need to support low hp (my 250 has about 20 hp)
- total width for the rear end will be around 46" (plus my tires for a total of width of 56")

So where do I start? I know most CV axles for cars have two spline shafts on each end. How would I find hubs that fit these shafts? How would I connect my two shafts together and then connect my drive gear and brake?

Pictures would be great, as well as specific parts to use and where to find them.

Here is my current build log so you know what i'm dealing with David's custom buggy

[sodman]

How's it going David
Here's my 2 cents would a arms off a 4 wheeler work could likely buy the whole rearend a arms out board hubs a cv shafts for less than 750 I would think. The 500 engine in my buggy only puts out around 34- 36 Hp so the axles would likely handle the 250 you have . Building out board hubs cost money can be done I used cut down jetta axles. Got pics if you want
Later Sodman (blair)

[daaboots]

Originally Posted by sodman

How's it going David
Here's my 2 cents would a arms off a 4 wheeler work could likely buy the whole rearend a arms out board hubs a cv shafts for less than 750 I would think. The 500 engine in my buggy only puts out around 34- 36 Hp so the axles would likely handle the 250 you have . Building out board hubs cost money can be done I used cut down jetta axles. Got pics if you want
Later Sodman (blair)

Hi Sodman

Any pics would be helpful. I took another look at your build and I was just wondering where you bought the outer hubs to fit the jetta axles and where you bought the parts to make the CV adapter cups that connect to your transmission.

Thanks

[sodman]

Daaboots
I was given the jetta hubs by a little auto repair shop just down the road from me . The bearings for the hub assembly I bought at carquest the outboard hubs I made from the plans from Badlands but had to be remachined to fit the new bearings. The transmission cups were given to me from the same shop. The cups were machined to fit a 540 PRM tractor PTO (power take off) shaft I purchased two female PTO ends from the John Deere dealer we deal with, and the machine shop lathed out the cups to fit the PTO ends. Thats it in a hand basket I'll try to post up some pics tonight maybe busy trying to get seed in the ground
Later Sodman

[nutnbolt2002]

Take a look at GM Cavalier or Sunbird shafts, they have a easy outer bearing to mount without any machining.

[daaboots]

Originally Posted by sodman

Daaboots
I was given the jetta hubs by a little auto repair shop just down the road from me . The bearings for the hub assembly I bought at carquest the outboard hubs I made from the plans from Badlands but had to be remachined to fit the new bearings. The transmission cups were given to me from the same shop. The cups were machined to fit a 540 PRM tractor PTO (power take off) shaft I purchased two female PTO ends from the John Deere dealer we deal with, and the machine shop lathed out the cups to fit the PTO ends. Thats it in a hand basket I'll try to post up some pics tonight maybe busy trying to get seed in the ground
Later Sodman

Thanks. I like the idea of tractor PTO parts. I almost wonder if I could make the entire setup from U joints and other tractor parts from my local hardware store. So the shaft coming out of your transmission has the same spline as a tractor PTO? Did I understand that correctly?

Thanks Sodmam

[sodman]

Daaboots Here's a few I'll try to explain as I go
Jetta hub, bearing and hub carrier Blair 006.jpg first attemp at this I used 1" 15 tooth spline shaft not heavy enough same idea Female 540 coupler machined into CV cup.001.jpg I had a flange made to hold a bearing that fitts the cv cup inner lip015.jpg Hope this helps
Later Sodman

[sodman]

yup you nailed it the were only small stub shafts had to be in two halves to break transmission a part.
Later Sodman

[LiveWire]

The Jetta uses the same bearing I am using with this setup: Before and after FL350 axle