Ford 9" with Ecotec

[Bysch]

I am in the planning stages of building a bajalite/trophylite type vehicle, shooting for 2500lbs, 33 or 35" tires, ecotec motor, some sort of manual transmission and an ultralite rear end. Since I really want to make this 2500 lb weight limit, I have to go as light as possible in as many places as I can, without resonably sacrificing strength and reliability.

That being said, I am pretty set on a 3"X0.188" wall tubed housing, 1/8" plate center section from currie, full floater hubs for reliability, aluminum drop out, lightweight spool and hubs but my biggest concern comes from what axles to run, 31 or 35 spline? while I realize the weight savings probably isn't substantial, it's rotating mass and maybe a little extra axle wrap will do the drivetrain a favor with the 31 spline axles.

Any thoughts on the 31/35 spline decision? Any experience with ecotec and solid axle??

Thanks in advance

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[partybarge_pilot]

Gun drilled 35 spline, best of both worlds.

[Bysch]

300m axles or just standard 4340? Any thoughts on that if going 35 and gun drilled. Trying to find info on guys running a live axle and ecotec and there aren't many out there, trophylites have 31 spline which ive heard have been a problem and bajalites have 40 spline gun drilled, a little excessive for what I am doing

[partybarge_pilot]

35 spline 4340 will be fine. Your going to be quite a bit lighter than a Bajalight if you meet your goal weight. Keeping track of the little stuff is what will save your a lot in the end. Stick with 1/2" wheel studs. Use solid slotted rotors. It may not seem like much, but if you don't pay attention, it will add up in a hurry.

[Bysch]

ya, its gonna be tough but I have a spreadsheet with estimated/calculated part weights and as I start nailing down certain variables, then I know where I can fudge other ones, now i just have to figure out how to get 22" of travel with 18" shocks mounted on the axle so I can just run tubes for the 4 link. The place I am focusing the most is on rear unsprung weight, hence the axle question...

Does anyone know of anybody running one of those bitchen mark williams aluminum forged spools in the desert with any success??

[partybarge_pilot]

Years ago I ran a Strange 9" 31 spline aluminum one in a Toyota. Truck died before the spool, but it went a couple years including a several month stint as My DD......

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

trophylites have 31 spline which ive heard have been a problem

I don't know of a single TrophyLite having an axle problem in the two years I have been racing them. If you can build what you are dreaming, I would think a 35 spline axle would be more than enough.