Section : Rear Axle

Compatible components between Mk3 and 1500 rear axles 

Posted By : James Carruthers, 14-Jun-2003, 03:27pm

Howdy,


My new Mk 3 is a bit dodgy at the rear end... diff is whining a bit and the UJs sound like they need doing... spring needs replacing (well, swing springing for safety)

On my late (as in R.I.P) 1500 most of the rear end was new - diff, spring, shocks, UJs and half shafts... assuming the rear end wasnt too damaged when it was rear ended....

So, in my dreams, all I need to do is undo a few bolts - drop the whole lot down... and then put them on the Mk3... but I have a feeling its not that simple

Any thoughts anyone?


James

• Compatible components between Mk3 and 1500 rear axles 

  Posted By : Nigel Gibbins, 14-Jun-2003, 08:21pm

  Actually, it very nearly IS that simple.!
  
  The only thing that you have to do is 'plug' the two centre spring mounting holes in the top of the diff, and the centre box on the 'swing' spring doesn't use them. If you don't then you will get oil oozing out of them. I put bolts in mine, ground them off (carefully) and filed flat.
  
  Make sure you use all the 1500 parts though esp. the trailing arms which are (slightly) different.
  
  NiG
  http://www.niginthecar.net

  • Compatible components between Mk3 and 1500 rear axles 

    Posted By : Don Cook, 15-Jun-2003, 05:39pm

    James
    
    It's summer. Buy ear muffs and when you're not in the car - get in that student bar, it's your duty, it's the law!
    
    Don
    
    (he that has just spent the day underneath/inside his car getting the gearbox out!)

    • Compatible components between Mk3 and 1500 rear axles 

      Posted By : Tony Hankin, 15-Jun-2003, 06:10pm

      Don, I've found a great way to get really easy access to the gearbox. Admittedly, it involved an angle grinder and most of my (accident and age damaged) bodywork is now at the tip. Still, won't have to worry about scratching paint now.

      • Compatible components between Mk3 and 1500 rear axles 

        Posted By : Andy Vowell, 16-Jun-2003, 12:34pm

        Er, actually though it is quite easy to switch a Mk3 rear end with a 1500 the flanges of the 1500 diff, driveshaft UJs and propshaft UJ will be bigger than the Mk3 items.
        
        Not a problem to swap the flanges using new UJ kits but something to remember before you bolt it up in the car then can't make the flange holes line up.
        
        ie if you take the 1500 diff, spring, driveshafts hubs and raduis arms over to the Mk3 you'll need to take the big flange off the back of the 1500 propshaft and put it on the Mk3 propshaft.
        
        Check the rear tracking afterwards too as the 1500 has longer driveshafts so tracking will need adjustment to suit.
        
        Diff ratios could be different too, though I'm not sure about that.
        
        And another thing, with the longer driveshafts if you have big wheels the wheel archs may need "encouragement" to contain the wider back end.
        
        Sounds like more work than originally advertised but (IMHO) you WILL end up with better handling and the wide rear looks better too.
        
        Cheers
        Andy V