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front hub options...

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6969ronin6969

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Curious what are the options out there for the front hub for a TR3. I've read about Southwick aluminum front hubs. Are those still available? Any other options out there, besides stock of course.

Thanks,

Eric
 
You could ask, but the Southwick hubs were a very limited production run, organized by the late "uncle jack" Drews. With only 25 sets made back in 2005 (AFAIK), I doubt there are any left on the shelf.

"To order, call Southwick Machine and Design, 309-949-2868."

I'll add that first one I tried did not run true. Probably just a burr under one of the bearing races (but why bother pre-installing the bearing races if you're not going to do it right?) But I'd had them on the shelf for several years, so I didn't try to contact Southwick to complain.

Revington probably has something, check their web site.

Another option is to reinforce the original type hubs. Here's a photo courtesy Jack Brooks.
 

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Thanks Randall. I had not heard of reinforcing the stock hubs. Any more info on that available?

I did remember to check out Revingtons and Racetorations after first posting the original question. Both had some options. I've sent Revingtons some questions to get more details.

If you think of something else, let me know.

Thanks again,

Eric
 
After further searching, Rimmer Bros. also offers an alloy hub and Good Parts does as well.

So the good news is there are some options out there. Here are links to each place:

USA:
Good Parts
This kit includes bearings.

UK:
Revington
This is the hub only, bearings are separate.

Racetorations
Multiple options here, some including beefed up stub axles as well.

Rimmer Brothers
I am assuming hub only, bearings separate.

So does anyone have any experience with any of these options? Best I can tell, the Revington setup might be the least expensive, even after buying the bearings extra. I don't know what type of bearings they are using though. I have asked. On the plus side, it might also be the lightest weight, and reducing unsprung, rotating mass is always good. Revington has a good reputation, and I trust they haven’t reduced it to the point of being prone to failure.

Racetorations and Good Parts seem to offer beefier bearings, but are a decent amount more expensive. Any thoughts on if the extra beef is worth the extra costs.

Thanks,

Eric
 
6969ronin6969 said:
I had not heard of reinforcing the stock hubs. Any more info on that available?
Click to expand...

Basically they drill a hole in the hub face, directly in line with the bolts that hold the brake disc to the hub. Then run a long tap through the existing threads and tap the new holes. The spacer is cut to length so it is tight in the space available (has to be rapped with a hammer to install), then a long bolt is run through the brake disc, spacer and into the hub face. I believe there is a more complete write-up in one of Kas Kastner's books (but don't recall which one offhand). (BTW, Kas says this mod works well.)

Whether the oversize bearings are worth it probably depends on how hard you plan to drive, and how far. Lots of problems show up on the race track, that you'll never see on the street. I stay on the street (except for the occasional autocross) and have never had a problem with the stock bearings.
 
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