10-09-2018, 07:18 PM
(10-09-2018, 05:29 PM)Chris KC Wrote: Roger, I think this is one of those topics where most of us are amateurs, and while we would gaily lash up our own axles we might hesitate to spout advice to others in view of the possible outcomes.I have done this job on a number of Sevens, including the long chassis Ulsteroid that Paul Lawrence used to race in the VSCC. I have always set them up so that the blueing marks the centre of the tooth faces. With new gears this has proved completely satisfactory. With used gears I do the same, but if they prove to be unreasonably noisy I have adjusted to increase the clearance to what I guess is a 'worn' amount. My standard method is to mount the offside axle case vertically downwards in the vice, with the torque tube horizontal. This allows the weight of the diff and halfshafts to load onto the offside bearing. Only after setting the clearance with aid of gravity on the diff do I fit the nearside casing, and then adjust the nearside diff bearing. This method is quite quick and I have had no subsequent problems.
If you have either, there is sound advice in the 750 companion (Jack French, p169) or in Woodrow (section E4-13); also here http://www.vintageaustinservices.co.uk/page9.html - if you have not already consulted these sources I would strongly recommend doing so.
Looking only at your photo above, I'd venture that you aren't too far out. For my money I would try another increment of shimming, with the aim of moving the markings a little further toward the front of the car, and perhaps a fraction higher up the teeth? If the result then looks all wrong I would then go back to where you are and live with it. But I'm no expert...
One thing I would add is that it's hard to attain perfection with a part worn gear set. Above all else make sure it's all nice and free before you drive the car - any hint of tightness is likely to end in tears.
Robert Leigh