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Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Excessively thick spacers need for rear hub carrier adjustment. » 8/30/2020 6:12 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 1

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OK, finally got it.
Seems the bearings were not moving on the hub.
Still had to add .014" to my thickest spacer on one side, via shims I made.
Cannot wait several days and pay $20.00 - $30.00+ each for the "Correct" parts.
For this project Correct is what works.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Excessively thick spacers need for rear hub carrier adjustment. » 8/29/2020 8:11 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 1

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Since I was unable to find the factory tool I used spare spacers to achieve the same result at .255" minus the float.
Measured float at .098" and .052".
.251" - .098" = .153"
.251" - .052" = .199"

Both exceed the available shims, so indicate that my new bearing races are not fully seated.
But I am sure that they are, so now suspect the new bearings.
Need this car back together in the next couple of days!
Going to repeat my measurements again, but I've already done them twice.
Trying to think my way out of this, looking like shim stock may be needed?

Suggestions welcome.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Jag hub carriers, strongest and how to identify? » 8/14/2020 11:14 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 6

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Looks like my "Spare" hub carriers are 64-67 type with the larger late type outer bearing and flat-face hubs.
They are in excellent condition and significantly lighter than '68 up versions, but I can easily see how the later versions are reinforced.
I should be able to use the later hubs with the centering ring in the earlier carriers.
So I have mixed feelings, I like the lighter unsprung weight but intend to drive the about 400+ HP and 3K Lb. weight El Camino pretty hard on occasion.

Jag was 265 HP/283 Tq. and 2500 Lb's.

Looked at feeBay and all the carriers listed are junk, cracked, welded and not machined, or rusty for spline drive wheels. The carriers I am abandoning are actually better!

Since tool J15 is unavailable I think I may use TWO spacers then do the subtraction as if I did have the J15 tool.
I see no reason this should not work and it's simpler than fabricating a precision .150 thick spacer as I do not have a surface grinder.

Found the listing for Everyday XJ, will probably contact him when funds show up.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Loose outer oil seal race, no fun, have to remove the bearing to fix. » 8/09/2020 4:06 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 2

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The only practical way I could think of without having to replace the hub.
Used a punch to create raised dimples so that the seal race would be a tight fit.
Combined with red Loc-Tite.
Once re-fit and allowed to cure I could not budge it.
Have to hope it holds up, if it loosens it will be no worse than before.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Jag hub carriers, strongest and how to identify? » 8/08/2020 10:11 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 6

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Bit of an unhappy update.
Found tonight that both of the late model XJ6 uprights I had intended to use are damaged.
Some neanderthal used a hammer on the bosses for the lower pivot, distorting the seal races pretty badly.
Really doubt then can be hammered back to round and true.
Suppose I should have known better than to buy a rear end from an XJ6 that had a 350 crammed into it.
When I got it home the R&P were trashed too. Not my best deal. 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Jag hub carriers, strongest and how to identify? » 8/03/2020 9:59 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 6

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Still not done with the XJ6 rear.
At least it has been a learning/practice experience.
Found myself making some tools that will be useful for my El Camino build.
Going with parts from another XJ6 rear as E Type hubs are near impossible to find and not worth the extra cost.
I do plan to add one of the cast aluminum finned rear covers.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Loose outer oil seal race, no fun, have to remove the bearing to fix. » 7/18/2020 9:32 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 2

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This was a genuine PITA.
The race that the outer oil seal rides on was loose, so the seal was not effective.
In order to tighten it up I had to remove the bearing which appears to perhaps not be intended for replacement?
There are no holes provided to push it off and it is a very tight fit.
I would up destroying the bearing cage in order to get the inner race off the stub axle.
With the outer cage removed I could barely drive it off.
Really do not see a good way to tighten up the seal race beyond Loc-Tite.
New "Do not sell me a Chinese part" bearing is on order at $44.00

Rebuilding Mom's XJ6 rear is being good practice for my own pending custom build.

Original IRS forum Content » Jag irs is a negative camber gain type suspension and... » 7/01/2020 1:07 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 19

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Well, ALMOST answered my question.
At the moment I am putting a STOCK XJ6 rear back into an XJ6 after rebuilding the brakes.
It's been apart a long time and I no longer know what axle/UCA shims were originally in place. 
It will be a PITA to adjust camber after getting it back into the car, much easier to do on the bench.
To do that I just need to make a set of correct length temporary struts in place of the original shocks.
So what I am looking for is the factory 1984 XJ6 half-shaft angle at ride height.
This seems like it should be simple to look up, but is not.
Every try has got me lots of ads to buy a new Jag, or advice on models that are too new.

What I need is either the original angle at rested ride height or an eye to eye length for the strut.
Seems I saw this stated somewhere on this? forum in the past but unable to find it now. 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Have suspension, will travel » 6/06/2020 11:53 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 2

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Merkur based conversion has been done before, it is what I intend to use in my 'Trick-6' GT-6 build.
TRIump-buiCK-6.
231 V6 and T5, lots of frame mods.
I cannot imagine a 460 in a GT-6 or Spitfire unless you are just putting the skin on a custom frame like a Funny-Car dragster?

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Jag hub carriers, strongest and how to identify? » 5/19/2020 12:57 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 6

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Been a while since I posted here.
Back to working on Jag rears again at last.
Mom's XJ6 will be done in the next few weeks.

Time to get back to my '68 El Camino/Jag IRS conversion.
Center section is all rebuilt by Curt Hamilton with Willwood calipers and 3.92 gears.
Time to get into the rest of the system.
To that end I have read that some hub carriers are stronger than others.
I have three sets, how do I identify which are the strongest?

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » The Jaguar IRS picture thread » 9/24/2019 9:20 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 159

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My Curt Hamilton built center, 3.92, Power Lock, and Willwood brakes.

Hmm, cannot get the flickr pic to post.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/184463295@N02/48791159973/in/album-72157710905927601/

 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding! » 9/23/2019 10:01 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Picked up my custom Curt Hamilton built Jag center section today.3.92 gears, Power-Lock posi, Wilwood calipers and and parking brake.Sorry, no chrome, but did have the rotors plated to resist rust.Pics as soon as I find my camera.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding! » 8/24/2019 9:20 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Got the final tab on my custom built Jag IRS center section.
Over $3K with shipping both ways!  
Should be back in my hands at the end of next week.
Never planned to spend so much but this is what happens when you decide not to limit yourself for what is probably your last personal hot-rod build. 
Could not have done it all at once, gathered the parts slowly, then had the work done.
Completely rebuilt Jag IRS with Power-Loc, 3.90 gears, new rotors, Wilwood calipers, parking brake, and a custom tie-plate on the bottom.
Still need to do the hubs and carriers. 

So I officially have more into the rear than I paid for the car which is on track to be the most expensive build I have ever done. 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding! » 4/23/2019 11:02 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Update: My diff and carfrier parts will arrive at Hamilton Automotive in the morning. 
Decided to go with 3.92 gears.
Not a cheap build, I will have as much into this rear as I originally paid for the entire car!

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Jaguar IRS on Airride? » 3/10/2019 9:38 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 7

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Just noticed this thread.
I have some similar concern for my '68 El Camino build.
Do not want the complication of air-bags, I'm planning to just fit two Air-Shocks to complement the other two regular shocks and springs.
Air-Shocks are inexpensive and light.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding! » 3/09/2019 7:23 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Finally got to speak with Mr. Hamilton and will be sending him my parts to assemble.
Not cheap, but not as expensive as I had feared.
Seems my factory Jag 4.27 R&P are unicorn horn, he's been at this a LONG time and has never seen a set before.
So My El Camino will have an IRS nearly as expensive as the engine once everything is added up.
4.27 gears with Trac-Loc and new everything that could possibly need replacing.
He will also set up the lower arm mounts for proper parallel.

He's 84 years old, so if anyone else wants truly expert service at a pretty good price they should probably not wait too long?
 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding! » 3/09/2019 10:31 am

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Found it.
Not certain this info is up to date but I know the phone number is correct.
Seems he is a bit of a legend regards Jag IRS and street rods.

Hamilton Automotive Industries
158001/2 Arminta StreetVan Nuys, CA 91406-1918
Tel 818-787-9695fax 818-787-9666
Contact: Curt Hamilton
Jaguar chassis specialists since 1967

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding! » 3/05/2019 1:07 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Looking for the shop in So-Cal that does Jag rear rebuilding!
Owned by an older guy who does not do the 'Web thing.
He's been at it for decades and has parts no one else does!
Spoke to him last week before I took a long trip but cannot find the number now.
Easily found a reference to him on this site last week, but today I cannot get any clue as to the name of his company or contact information.
Just cannot seem to find the right "Magic word" to put in search.

There is a LOT of important/useful information on this site but finding it can be very difficult as it often requires searching so many threads.
I would like to see a "Resources" thread that just list contact info and basic product information for vendors.

I need to send him three center sections to be worked on ASAP, please respond if you know who I am looking for.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Anyone ever tried out the CC&AR suspension? » 4/04/2017 1:14 am

Richard/SIA
Replies: 0

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It can be used front or rear.
http://walker-partnership.com/
Claims to be better than sliced bread!
Some discussion on the Locost forum but THIS is the true suspension forum.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Street Legal? » 8/30/2016 12:13 am

Richard/SIA
Replies: 2

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Huh?
The cops/legislature in PA are so power mad that this is a real question?
How would they justify such a level of intrusiveness?
Not to get too political, but are Americans now so cowering that we would accept this level of Gov. dominance?

Seems the old saw, "It's easier to seek forgiveness than permission" might apply here?
Sorry to rant rather than answer your question, I just hate Gov. overreach!

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » The Jaguar IRS picture thread » 8/13/2016 1:45 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 159

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Found this pic on eBay, Jag IRS under a Healy 3000 replica.



 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Caster/anti-squat? layouts? Jag/T-bird, Klaus Arning Watts, SLA . . » 8/10/2016 11:50 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 29

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From what I have been able to glean a Watts at the bottom of the upright serves as a trailing arm.
A watts at the top of the upright is an anti-hop device.

Someone will be along to correct me if I have this wrong.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Triumph GT6 or Spitfire & Sierra or Merkur xr4ti IRS coversion. » 7/24/2016 3:23 am

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Think I found some useful reference points to measure from.
That lets me mark the chassis so that I may get the mounting tabs evenly placed on each side.

Driving myself crazy trying to configure the upper mount points and arm length.
The lower is pretty well fixed at 8.5" by the wheelbase, uprights and ride height.
So my camber gain has to be done from the top.
I must be doing something wrong as all the examples and advice I find insist that the upper arms should be shorter than the bottom.
But I seem to get better numbers with a significantly longer top arm.
Equal length gives good result in bump but goes bad on body roll.
Unequal not as good on bump but better on body roll.
Seems no matter what I try I still get +camber to the outside on body roll.
I thought it was supposed to be possible to get -camber on body roll?

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Triumph GT6 or Spitfire & Sierra or Merkur xr4ti IRS coversion. » 7/21/2016 7:12 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Looks like 1.00" x .120 wall for my control arms.
Kind of would have liked a little thinner but I have this on hand already and it is mostly a street car.

Trying to  work out the mounting tabs, a real joy as NONE of the frame members are strait, parallel, or level on a GT-6!
Makes reference points and measurement a wee bit difficult.

Using some rectangular box steel for simplicity in keeping the tabs parallel and properly spaced.
Looks like I will also use the old tabs to create my datum line.
Had considered mounting the arms a little lower than original but that might put them in reach of speed bumps at the frame end.
 

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » 1988 4.2 sovereign ratio?? » 7/20/2016 12:44 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 3

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There should be a tag on the rear that will give you the ratio.
In the U.S. it would almost certainly be 2:88 but other countries may be different.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Triumph GT6 or Spitfire & Sierra or Merkur xr4ti IRS coversion. » 7/18/2016 1:56 am

Richard/SIA
Replies: 8

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Closing in om my design.
Looks like I will be shortening the aluminum uprights I bought.
From 10" bolt to bolt vertically to 8.5".
This will also reduce the kick at the top around .75", need to fixture them for better measurements.

Still wrestling with weather or not to use equal length upper and lower arms?
Upper mount can be whatever I need, lower is pretty well dictated by the frame width, about 9" long max.
I have some pretty good numbers using equal length arms but am not getting the type of camber change I want.

Looks like the lower shock mount will have to be to the top of the outer end of the rear arm link.
Not ideal but lets me retain the original upper mount.

Speaking of the arms, my plan is bushes at the inside and rose joints for adjustment on the outer ends.
Would actually prefer bushes at both ends but the adjustable type I would need do not appear to be available in a correct size and would be a real chore to make myself.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Center section offset from axle centerline. » 7/18/2016 1:35 am

Richard/SIA
Replies: 1

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From what I have been able to determine it's not the distance you need to be concerned with it is the CV angle.
A little is needed but more than 5 degrees at rest should be avoided.
The angle you will have depends on how far forward and axle length.
Expect to see greater temporary angles in the vertical plane as the suspension moves but that is OK so long as you do not exceed the working limits.

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Hi, I have two IRS projects to work out. » 7/17/2016 4:54 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 77

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I did but do not like what I see as far as remaining a strong mount and clearing the drive-shaft.
I'm in Nevada, some of our roads are a bit rough and some shopping centers should have the manager beaten senseless for putting in such high speed bumps.
So ground clearance is a fairly major issue for me.

With the Watts the lowest point will be at the center of the tire diameter.
Trailing arms have to mount further forward and reach rearward from near the center.
I think the trailing arms would actually end up with more ground clearance issue than the Watts.
Trailing arms also appear to be a likely issue with my exhaust.

Next up is my frustration to date with trying to determine what shocks to buy.
Seems all the listings are for off-road buggies, 29" at ride height, 20" compressed, 40" extended!
Not even close to my need and it seems everything else is listed by make and model.
Not too helpful for CUSTOM car builds!
Koni prices so far have been insane, QA1 has no sizing information, may have to look at SPAX or GAZ?

Independent Rear Suspension Forum » Hi, I have two IRS projects to work out. » 7/16/2016 4:22 pm

Richard/SIA
Replies: 77

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Good thing dismantling is the easy part!
Pulled my spare IRS to pieces today.
LCA mounts to the diff appear to measure at about 11* pinion angle so I must not be measuring them correctly.
The good news is that they are only drilled once, so all I have to do is reverse them and drill as I like for the correct pinion angle.

The 3:31 diff appears to be in good shape, just wish it was a power-lock.
Someone had been at this rear before, what we used to call a "Hammer mechanic".
So I have to replace my inside pivot pins.
Do shop around, I found the same part at prices ranging from $18.00 to $55.00 each.
At $55.00 each I would have made them on my lathe, at $18.00 I will probably just buy them.
Also have to buy bearings and seals for the rebuild.
Prices on those are pretty consistent and it's worth noting that EACH SIDE takes four needle bearing sets, so the total for both sides is EIGHT, not four as might be assumed.
Prices for these parts appear pretty consistent across vendors.
Going for the best U-joints I can find, whichever those may be.

Metal bits are going to be boring old black, might end up silver but I tend to think of the suspension as not being a visible part and I've never seen anyone keep a chrome one polished up properly for very long.

Still debating LCA reinforcement, I'm not going drag racing and it does look like I will have a low mount Watts Link.

Main question now becomes do I rebuild the 350 I have (Fairly cheap, more torque but lower RPM) or finish the hot screamer 327 build for fewer shifts on the twisty roads but less practical for long trips?
I really need an overdrive trans.

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