Automotive Differential/Cases

[nutz4sand]

Basically if you figure out a diff you want to use then you need to be able to figure out HOW to connect to it. Sometimes this can be easy and some times it can be a headache. You simply need a way to connect a shaft that will handle the angle and plunge you have to deal with and do it dealing with the power you have. Being the KZ750 is about 55 horse and a decent bit of torque you will not need something as heavy as a big bike motor unless you try to change that later.

If you get a diff with U joints on its side putting CV flanges are tough to add somewhat. A diff with CV flanges that fit are a plus and less parts or at least easier parts to make or get.

To run VW stuff you need to get parts that line up and bolt up. The Merkur diff will do that. The Thunderbird may as well. Audis use German CV flanges too but they are long long long on the pinions so may not hel the shortening thing you wish to do.

What is the main reason to shorten this machine? It might be eaiser to just find a cheap trailer if its hauling it. Longer rides better. If its fror tight traisl there is to much work to do to make it work VS seliing it to a dune nut or something and starting from a better platfrom. Bill

[NoClue]

cool, thanks...i'm starting to understand this a bit better...i kind of had an idea, but just wanted to confirm. would like to shorten it up to be more in line with the wheel base of a rhino or a golf kart...it'd look more proportional and i think would turn better.
i have access to stock type I stuff, and i'm familiar with baja bug stuff...just never thought of using a diff to cv's in this application...

[LEE1969GB]

This is cheap and easy if a little heavy, having said that I am still using the standard rear shocks and springs so not that heavy. The diff is from a subaru impreza wrx, the engine is a ski doo 800 with RER so easy reverse.

[nutz4sand]

I have always liked that machine setup Lee but his motor is already sideways and the setup puts his U joint behind the motor being fed by a driveshaft to a shortend ford 9 inch I beleve he said it was. His entire rear suspension uses a driveshaft to the rear end and he wants to shorten it up and a Subaru diff is kinda long. Whatever he uses it will have to fit behind the motor and the Subee diff would not shorten it up enoigh to make him happy with it I do not think.

Chweck out the machine Lee

The Noobie

He wishes to shorten it up some. The subee diff might be to long if connected to the existing power shaft.

[NoClue]

actually, that may work...

depending on the diff, and after more staring, i think the existing jackshaft can be used drive another jackshaft that is lower and more towards the center of the vehicle...or, is that too many jack shafts???

[NoClue]

wow...that wrx diff IS long...

a rear diff from a BMW 3 or 5 series...looks like they take vw cv's...yes?

[LEE1969GB]

That looks like something I would buy
What about leave the engine where it is (or raise it up a bit, difficult to see where it is from those pics) put a suby diff under the engine with a chain drive from the front sprocket to the suby drive flange, that way you lose a lot of the diff length. Then maybe get a pilot rear end(hubs wishbones drive shafts etc) or a long travel pilot type set up and graft it on to the rear end of the buggy. The pilot drive shafts will fit stright in to the suby cv cups. Or use suby drive shafts and hubs and make up a new rear end.

[NoClue]

may i ask the length of the suby diff from the input shaft to the cv cup centers?

[LEE1969GB]

Not sure, Here is a pic if you need to know more I can measure it tomorrow (monday)

[nutz4sand]

You might be able to use a Subee diff like that and just put another sprocket right next to the one you now have on the jackshaft Noclue. Then run it down to the diff like Lees. Just have to figure out how to keep the tension on both chains. But Subee CV joints travel is not too much and you would have to mod some CV stuff for long travel (or longer travel?) that. The Merkur diff is short (a ball almost) I still have not found a Thunder Bird at a scrap yard but hope to so I can see if its got the good CV flanges on it with aluminum housing.