TR2/3/3A TR2 rear axle woes

[TRJohn]

I'm restoring a nice little Triumph TR2 and I'm coming unstuck with the diff. It seems that the TR2 is the only TR with large splines into the axle gears and those gears are stripped! So, has anyone bolted a rear axle from any other Triumph into a sidescreen TR?????

 

[sammyb]

While I cannot say it with 100-percent certainty, I believe you should be able to use a TR3 or TR4 rear. They are more available than the early TR2 diff

 

[Banjo]

Any of the TR3(3,3A,3B) axels will work. the TR4 is too wide by 4 inches. It will fit but the wheels don't sit in the wheel wells right. They rub agenst the fenders.

 

[MDCanaday]

You are looking for a tr3 or 3a diff ,the tr4 is too wide and will cause you lots of clearance problems. These can be found at swapmeets ect.....good luck!!
MD(mad dog)

 

[TRTEL]

Everyone has been on the money. The TR2 setup was just way too fragile both at the splines and at the outer axle ball bearings. Later models 3 and 3A's are tapered bearings. Change it out at the first opportunity, unless of course you're into concours.

 

[martx-5]

The early axle/diff units are Lockheed units, as mentioned above...very fragile. The later ones are Girling units. Both named for the braking system. An easy way to tell the difference is the Lockheeds have a a square mounting flange where the brake drum mounts, and the Girling unit is round.

 

[Winston]

I agree with all of the above. They pretty much know more about these things than I do.
BUT, FWIW....... What can we as a group accomplish regarding availability of parts. I note our new friend and enthusiast is from New Zealand, oh and welcome,but availabilty of quality parts is an issue I think worth discussion.I'm in Iowa and I'll bet there has'nt been a swap meet here in town since the late 70's. Another recent thread bemoaned the c....y fuel pump, I can really understand that, been there got the T-shirt.
Should we not as a broad and diverse group represent adequate numbers of consumers to receive quality parts and service.
Maybe we could talk one of the Forum members into begining a business similar to the old traveling sale person, somebody you knew and trusted.
Maybe we should be holding some of the vendors feet to the fire so to speak and make our collective voice heard.Quality represents safety and should not in my humble opinion be overlooked.Rear differentials and fuel systems are significant elements of the car and need to be addressed accordingly.
Basil: If you think this belongs in another forum, please feel free.......Thanx