alan kemp Posted November 19, 2007 Share Posted November 19, 2007 Not being a techy and not that interested in the ins and outs of every thing, I thought I would ask if anyone can point me in the direction of buying (very quickly) a set of spidertrax axles with 9" diffs, ARB lockers and flanges that will take my existing volvo portal boxes. I would rather pay a little extra to have this package delivered to my place than trying to contact all of the different suppliers of the required bits and then doing it myself. I still intend to fit Gen 3 portal tek axles to my new truck but I have to get the existing truck ultra reliable for the 2008 season., Portaltek delivery times are quite long so I would prevfer this option for now if it is quicker. I would prefer to deal diect with a UK based supplier who knows what he is doing if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan kemp Posted November 20, 2007 Author Share Posted November 20, 2007 It seems I will have to buy the axle casings direct so where can I buy the 9" diff with arb locker. Who can machine up some flanges, cad drawing can be supplied. What grade steel do I need to use for the flanges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Alan, have you looked on Pirate for references - there is a vendors section which you might find handy. Searching for threads on "spider9" will throw up a few who have done it. 9" suppliers are plentiful. Google spits out most of the common ones directly. It seems you're not too interested in tthe tech of your axles - which is cool - but if you're building a set of custom axles, you're going to need to dig a bit (or do you just want to throw the truck at someone and say 'get it sorted'?). If you're going to the trouble of building spider9 centres, why not just add the portal-tek drop boxes when the time comes - what will you gain by swapping the centre section again? How will the portal-tek centre be better than the spider9 with a locker? You could just change the flanges and keep the rest, maybe? Gonna brace the housings? Which wall dimension are you going to get? 3rd member depends a lot on budget too. Have you seen the tru hi 9? Maybe you don't need the hi-pinion if you're already adding portals (or can't fit it in). You have so many options with the 9 centre. Places like www.markwilliams.com will give you a start, as will pirate, or: http://www.strangeengineering.net/catalog/index.html etc etc. If you have the budget, the threads on pirate will point you to people capable of building your axles for you - if you just want to order it fully built. Post back if you need a recommendation for getting it shipped over - either in part-deliveries from various sources, or as crated fully built axles. Hope it helps a bit (bit waffly, innit!). Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 why use 9's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Why not use 9s? Apart from possible issues with the locker strength (which I think may have been ironed out now). Good range of ratios to compensate for the drop boxes if required. Course, there is a set of 60s in the classifieds right now... Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 size, cost, additional delay - all for a stop gap axle? plenty of scope for chunkying up Volvos, less down time, waaaaaaaaaay less cost. he who pays the bills makes the choices at the end of the day so its Alans call Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Well, I agree. Frankly. Seems a lot of axle for a 'filler'. Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan kemp Posted November 20, 2007 Author Share Posted November 20, 2007 My volvo axles, (both sets) are old, the locker on the front is not reliable, mainly cos the axle was bent a while ago and I have not managed to get it ultra straight. The locker will only go in at one position. Last weekend in went in and stayed in, nightmare on the road. The diffs have quite a lot of slack and need rebuilding. I want to be competitive, I do lots of events and want to do European events in 2008. I need the car to be ultra reliable. On the whole, I have built the car myself and I am ok with that in the future but gear ratio's, research etc etc, I neither have the time nor inclination for. I would rather just buy 2 sets of Portal tek Gen 3 axles but there is quite a long lead time. The best stop gap is to buy spidertrax with 9's in and fit my existing portal boxes. I am hoping for a price and delivery date from STX today for the 3/8 wall. I assume I will be able to get 9's with ARB's in fairly quick. Just need some halfshafts and flanges made to get them to talk and jobs done in a couple of weeks. I can do the welding of the flanges and all the bracketry, just need the bits. I would have bought them off the shelf but SPX only sell the casings. It is a stop gap for this truck but I am building 2 trucks both with portal axles, one will swap to disco 2 axles for speed events. Thanks for the info Al, will get some digging done......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Good luck, interested to see how you get on still think you're nuts though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Well, fair enough - good for you. Post up if you have any Q's - I've already dug a fair bit on this. Thats a properly nice set of stop-gap axles! Fixed it: still think you're nuts rich though Cheers, Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan kemp Posted November 20, 2007 Author Share Posted November 20, 2007 Done some digging, I have no idea what part number configuration etc I need. Cannot source a UK supplier to talk to. I think I will try Ashcroft... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Alan - I don't know of any in the UK. I'd be surprised if there are any. As much as they know their stuff, I don't think you'll have much luck with Ashcroft for custom building a Ford 9 into a spidertrax housing. You might get a custom 4x4 builder to sort it for you, but its probably safer if you just order the things built from the states. They have all the parts / experience of the Ford 9s. If you don't know what spec to get regarding bearing sizes / spline counts, housing types, ratios, pinion oilers, treatments, trussing, blah blah, just email the axle builders referenced in pirate, and they will sort you out. Try talking to Sunray for a start. Avoid USA 6x6. Regards, Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Abel Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Alan - I don't know of any in the UK. I'd be surprised if there are any. As much as they know their stuff, I don't think you'll have much luck with Ashcroft for custom building a Ford 9 into a spidertrax housing.You might get a custom 4x4 builder to sort it for you, but its probably safer if you just order the things built from the states. They have all the parts / experience of the Ford 9s. If you don't know what spec to get regarding bearing sizes / spline counts, housing types, ratios, pinion oilers, treatments, trussing, blah blah, just email the axle builders referenced in pirate, and they will sort you out. Try talking to Sunray for a start. Avoid USA 6x6. Regards, Al. Alan im not sure using a ford 9inch and spider axle casing is the way forward, when i was looking at the pictures the diff apears to be quite a bit larger than the volvo diff housing. This could potentualy cause problems unless huge bumpstops are used to stop the diff punching holes in the sump. Have you found any measurements for the axle casing? I think it might be worth modifing the volvo axle casing to fit landrover or jeep parts that are avalable off the shelf in the uk, then get someone like ashcroft to make some custom shafts to marry the new diff to the volvo portal box splines. would A Landrover 24 spline diff be strong enought with the portal hub reduction? what is the volvo portal hub reduction ratio? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B reg 90 Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Alan, why not try Rakeway - Neil(?) do one off custom work. When I picked up my Diffs (he did a good job with them - pegged) he was doing one off 1/2 shafts for various applications, fitting Dana 60 internals to salisbury axles etc.... Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendrik Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Hi Alan, I'm using Spidertrax axles on my truck (which is almost finished!) http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=14475, If you need any info about these axles contact Dieter Duytschaever from D&G 4x4 Tuning via info@dgtuning.com. He went to the USA to visit the guys from Spidertrax and has a very good technical knowledge and contact with them. His Phone nr is +32476401067 If you want more info I can help you too, just sent me a mail or pm Hendrik www.haka4x4.be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan kemp Posted November 20, 2007 Author Share Posted November 20, 2007 Alan im not sure using a ford 9inch and spider axle casing is the way forward, when i was looking at the pictures the diff apears to be quite a bit larger than the volvo diff housing. This could potentualy cause problems unless huge bumpstops are used to stop the diff punching holes in the sump. Have you found any measurements for the axle casing?I think it might be worth modifing the volvo axle casing to fit landrover or jeep parts that are avalable off the shelf in the uk, then get someone like ashcroft to make some custom shafts to marry the new diff to the volvo portal box splines. would A Landrover 24 spline diff be strong enought with the portal hub reduction? what is the volvo portal hub reduction ratio? Hi Chris, I am going with spidertrax cos they are used on the Portal tek gen 3 axles which I will be buying for the Tomcat later in the year. The diff will be nowhere near the sump as the engine is going back as much as I can move it and the front axle is going forward, (back axle is going backwards to give me 100"). I have to work out the hub reduction ratio, Dave Ashcroft has kindly talked me through it.... I have no measurements for the diff from the centre of the axle but I dont think an inch or so will be an issue. Cheers Adrian, I will be talking to rakeway for portal flanges for the spidertrax axles. Hi Hendrik, your build looks superb, some top engineering going on there I think. I will steal a few ideas if you dont mind, I like the four link on the back amongst other things. Spidertrax are very prompt in their replies and they have pointed me in the direction of the ford 9" diffs, still not sure what I need though, its a minefield to the uninitiated... Al, thanks for the info, I have posted on Pirate and they have some Knowlegable guys on there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Dull facts of the day (and just for reference) a Volvo diff will lock in 15.8 degrees of wheel rotation if its functioning within spec drop ratio is 2.06 crownwheel is 8" Randys ring and pinion are worth a hit for 9" crownwheel and pinion kits LINKY YG F9-284 is gonna be the puppy if you use a stock Volvo drop box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks90 Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 what about speaking to maddison 4x4 about a set of their monster dynatrac axles? they use them on neil redpaths 6.2l supercharged nutter bast@rd V8 diesel and have never broken anything on them - even during the Oz outback challenge. that way you have an off the shelf solution as a stop gap = and you may be able to fit your drop boxes to the end of them in the future with a bit of engineering brilliance. also they come with any ratio and lockers fitted http://www.maddison4x4.com/content/view/24/21/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishbosh Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 ISTR that the last time a link to those axles was posted everyone got very excited until someone enquired about the price - I have no idea what Spidertrax cost but these were £6k I think . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ced Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 Hy Guy's, Next week we will start building the Spyder 9 axles under mine also. So, if we can be of any help ?? Please, let me know !! Dieter from D&G 4x4 will do it togheter with me. @ Alan, I saw you on the 3 peaks, I was co driving Lara ,-) Greetz, Ced Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D9OSV Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 A third thumbs up for Dieter Only young, but very clever and very knowledgable........ Oh, and he can drive a bit to Give him a call Alan, he will be more than happy to help, plus he has fitted many sets of Spyder's. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill van snorkle Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 IMO the only good part of a standard 9'' diff is the ring and pinion. the rest is made from carp steam age grey iron, and the upgraded nodular iron components cost $$$. For front diff application the tooth pressure angles are really all wrong which in extreme circumstances can push the carrier through the side of the pinion housing or shear the pinion carrier off the housing. Bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthy boy Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 Alan We have built a set of Spidertrax axles and already done all the research. They are under a buggy near Watford. PM me if you want to talk. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtydiesel Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 Mmmmm....... Mog's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan kemp Posted November 25, 2007 Author Share Posted November 25, 2007 Thanks for the advice of everybody. I am currently talking to dgtuning.com. I will let you know how we progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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