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Rear Axle Markings

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MGTF1250Dave

MGTF1250Dave

Jedi Knight
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Aloha All,

I was looking at a rear axle for a TF today. There were two vertical stripes, white, about 1/2 inch wide and 1 inch tall painted on the rear of the differential case. Do these have any significance?
 
Some TDs and TFs had a stencil marking on the rear housing in large letters where indicated by the arrow in my photo. One was TD and the other was TF on the back face. These marks your seeing might be what's left of those old original ones. I haven't heard a clear answer as to why they were put there. I personally think, that during the TD and TF gear change over, they were for quick identification on the rack at the factory. Some guys are painting them back on their housings. I think their ugly and wouldn't have them on mine. Looks like something you might find on a military vehicle, BUT, they are part of the history of the vehicle. PJ

RearStencil.jpg
 
Aloha Paul,

Your photo illustration shows the place where I saw the markings. I seem to recall reading someplace that the marks where there to indicate final drive ratio. If that is so, it would be nice to know the code.
 
I've heard the same thing Dave, but I haven't found any marks or stampings on mine indicating gear ratio. If no other information is available, I would assume it's a 4.8 rear. I think some early TFs might have had a 5.1 in them, but I'm only guessing. By any means, their geared too low for our modern highways. Over in your neck of the woods a lower ratio might not be as critical, don't know. Never been there, wouldn't mind going one day. PJ
 
Dave - Check out this link https://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?r...707281226258163

If you are not a member, you might want to consider joining the MG Cars Enthusiasts Club at https://www.mgcars.org.uk/index.html and going to the T series TD-TF Bulletin Board (on the main menu, click on Members Only and register as a member [no cost], go back to the main menu and click on Bulletin Boards, then on T series TD-TF. You will find the largest gathering of T series enthusiasts and more good information than anywhere els on the internet.
Cheers,
 
Aloha David,

Thanks for the link. I have joined that group also.

Although I haven't found any information regarding the meaning of the stencil, if the rear axle is unmolested the final drive ratio is stamped on it. On the forward face of the left side rear axle tube, in the vicinity of the vent hole the ratio is stamped. In my case it was 8 and below that number 39, for a 4.875 ratio. This can be seen easily by removing the access cover in the side screen compartment to add oil to the differential. A wire brush and a flash light will also be helpful.
 
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