8 replies to this topic

[d4v1dtyler]

Over the past couple of months, i have really lost the love for my project. I have done it all myself so far and its totally mint. The time when everything stopped was when i fully rebuilt the mpi engine to stage 3 spec, and i then got stuck on how to properly shim the differential. I really havent touched it much since then which is a big big shame. I keen to carry on but need some help and advice on shimming the diff. After a few months not going near a mini i need to feel the love again!!!

[Ethel]

Hope it's not contagious! May be you just need a reminder of how fabtastic they are when you do get 'em on the road.

What was the diff problem? Don't you just assemble it without shims and use a feeler gauge - it's been a while

[Steve Rowe]

I was the same intill last nite mate ive been real busy with work havnt seen my mini in 3months but last nite i was at my lockup had a seat in the mini .... just makes me want to drive it again so my finger is well a truely out

[Jordie]

I know the feeling too. I want more space, somewhere with electric so I can do all the jobs that need doing. I am struggling to find anywhere and the weather and my flooding garage just keeps putting me off doing any work.

I have booked it in at the restoration club, ordered all the parts I think i will need for MOT, so hopefully it will all get done and be ready for next year....

[d4v1dtyler]

any info on the diff shimming? anyone?

[*DJH*]

I know how you feel, that's why i'm getting rid of mine, just fed up with it.

[Ethel]

Assemble it with diff biased to the clutch side so that you can push the diff with offside end cover so all the slack is on the nearside. Don't tighten the diff housing too tightly so the diff can be pushed across by the end cover but do use the gaskets and sealant. Torque it all up so it's all assembled apart from the nearside end cover- fit the cover, without the gasket and hand tighten all the bolts evenly so the gap between the cover and the diff housing is equal all the way round, as measured with feelers.

The gap measured will tell you what size shim is required.

Look to see if it says 'thrust' on the outside faces of the bearings, if it does the preload (and shims required) will differ.

Report back with the end cover clearance and someone who knows what they're doing like Guessworks will be able to tell you what shimming you need. At worst I'll hazard a guess for you

[d4v1dtyler]

Assemble it with diff biased to the clutch side so that you can push the diff with offside end cover so all the slack is on the nearside. Don't tighten the diff housing too tightly so the diff can be pushed across by the end cover but do use the gaskets and sealant. Torque it all up so it's all assembled apart from the nearside end cover- fit the cover, without the gasket and hand tighten all the bolts evenly so the gap between the cover and the diff housing is equal all the way round, as measured with feelers.

The gap measured will tell you what size shim is required.

Look to see if it says 'thrust' on the outside faces of the bearings, if it does the preload (and shims required) will differ.

Report back with the end cover clearance and someone who knows what they're doing like Guessworks will be able to tell you what shimming you need. At worst I'll hazard a guess for you

Cheers mate, ill get cracking tomorrow and see how everything goes. Ill report back with the info.

[blacktulip]

i get like that every now and then. keep at it mate. if u read the feature cars in minimag, they all struggle and they all say its worth it in the end.