TR2/3/3A Possible problems replacing a Lockheed rear axle with a girling unit

[Aradford46]

I have a 58 TR3A and plan to change out the current Lockheed rear axles and brakess with a Girling unit. Are there other things that I need to consider before making this chage such as is the original master cylinder compatiple with the girling brake system or does it need to be upgraded. Are the front disk brakes adequate for use with the Girling rear brakes or will that cause another issue that I don't realize.

 

[PeterK]

Are you swapping out then entire rear end or just wanting to change to 9" brakes? Change to 9" is common and more easily done. You'll just need the backing plates as well as rear brake internals. But someone that has done this will quickly chime in, I'd expect. Don't think an axle change is required, just the brake backing plates and brake assemblies. With a 58, the M/C doesn't change throughout the run of TR3s so unless you have an earlier M/C, that should be just fine too.

 

[Aradford46]

I have a rebuilt Girling axle complete with 9 inch brakes that seems to be in excellent condition. It has new slave cylinders, shoes and springs but I have not opened up the diferential.
Any advice will be appreciated.we

 

[Andrew Mace]

Am I correct in remembering that pipe union threads are not compatible between Lockheed and Girling systems?

 

[TomMull]

Am I correct in remembering that pipe union threads are not compatible between Lockheed and Girling systems?

I think you may be on the wheel cylinders but all you need to adapt is the hose. Tom

 

[charleyf]

I got a basket case TR3 that had a Lockheed axle on a 59 frame. I found a later axle and mounted it. I only needed to replace the brake lines on the axle to use the Girling axle. Your master cylinder and the front disc brake are okay to use as well.
I believe your Lockheed axle has four bolts holding the brake plate on. Therefore one can not switch the brake plates because the Girling axle has six bolts.
you can remove the rear cover on the Girling axle and look inside for any chipped teeth or unusual wear patterns on the gears.
Charley

 

[TR3driver]

How did your 58 come to have a "Lockheed" axle in it anyway? The changeover to the later axle was in 56, at the same time they introduced front disc brakes.

Not sure what you'll find, since it was apparently previously converted to the early axle; but as noted the threads at the soft line from the axle to the rest of the car are different between the two axles. But maybe you'll get lucky, and the Girling line is already there.

The 9" brakes provide a little less braking than the earlier 10" did, but probably not enough to matter unless you are going racing. Supposedly the factory made the change because people were complaining about the rear brakes locking early, but it's never seemed like a problem to me. If you find that you do need more bias to the rear, it's relatively easy to install larger rear cylinders in the 9" brakes.

Turn each flange with your fingers for several revolutions, to feel for any roughness. This one just had a little rough spot ...


If it feels good and the oil looks good, I might be tempted to skip pulling the cover.