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engineering wider diffs in qld
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:46 am
by killalux
just wondering if it is possible to get wider diffs engineered in qld. looking to put GQ diffs complete with suspension into a hilux. I realise that i will need to make huge flares but that is no problem.
thanks
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:03 am
by badger
yes it can be done. try and use all components made by a car manufacturer tho (eg u could use gq lower arms n 80 series upper or a rover a frame ) otherwise you have to have arms etc xrayed and thats expensive as.
my engineer is working on this for my bundy atm but using 80 diffs troll arms and a a frame.
give him a call if u want, kieth at kcf rallysport 32841546
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:27 am
by mickyd555
i dont think you can. the track width of the vehicle cant be changed is what i was told........... But you know how it goes, some engineers will say yes, others will say no

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:01 pm
by badger
the 2 engineers i have consulted said that u cant make the track width skinnier but you can go wider if you can cover the tyres etc but i dunno could be wrong
just get him to engineer the coils and forget to mention its not original diffs

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:42 pm
by -Scott-
I'd believe badger - Keith at KCF seems to know his stuff.
I think you can only engineer a track change (outside the 50mm allowed for beam axle 4wds) by changing the complete axle - then your track must be within 50mm of the original donor vehicle (i.e. use the same offset rims, too.)
Essentially, you can't swap axles, then put on rims with radically different offsets to obtain whatever track you want.
Cheers,
Scott
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:43 pm
by ferret
You can definitely engineer wider diffs in qld, the rule about track width increases is in regard to wheel offsets and the use of spacers etc.
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:55 pm
by badger
yeah keith does seem to kno his shit
i think ferret and scott have hit the nail on the head there
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:03 pm
by Thor
ferret wrote:You can definitely engineer wider diffs in qld, the rule about track width increases is in regard to wheel offsets and the use of spacers etc.
engineer i spoke to said it had to be within regs 50mm increase wms to wms of the vehicle receiving them before you even consider offsets.
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:10 pm
by -Scott-
Thor wrote:ferret wrote:You can definitely engineer wider diffs in qld, the rule about track width increases is in regard to wheel offsets and the use of spacers etc.
engineer i spoke to said it had to be within regs 50mm increase wms to wms of the vehicle receiving them before you even consider offsets.
I hope you didn't pay him too much.
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:18 pm
by Thor
-Scott- wrote:Thor wrote:ferret wrote:You can definitely engineer wider diffs in qld, the rule about track width increases is in regard to wheel offsets and the use of spacers etc.
engineer i spoke to said it had to be within regs 50mm increase wms to wms of the vehicle receiving them before you even consider offsets.
I hope you didn't pay him too much.
nada, was over the phone.
he was one of those disinterested types, so i got disinterested in any axle swap projects too

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:42 pm
by ferret
My boss happens to be a member of the TAC here in qld and has a lot to do with mod plates, hot rod engineering, etc as a side business, and I have discussed track increases with him in regard to one of my cars (not a 4wd, but the same principal, going to run a wider diff and longer front control arms for a fairly major track increase) and the only real items to be inspected are the way that the new parts are mounted, wheel offsets (not 100%, but I think they have to be suitable for the vehicle that the axles came from), the tyres have to be covered by the body, and the wheels and tyres should not foul the body at any point through the suspension travel or at any point while turnng the fronts from full lock to full lock. As long as you are using the brakes from the donor vehicle, I belive that you can run wheels and tyres up to the maximun allowable size for the donor vehicle as well, just make sure you fit a new tyre placard at the same time. Hope this info helps.
Cheers,
Jaimie
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:31 pm
by chops
so does that mean we can use volvo portals?

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:15 pm
by chunderlicious
only if, you talk to the right engineer

i got this bullshit when i spoke to QLD DOT when i asked about my 60 diffs. 2 calls 2 different answers. same with engines. depends who or when u speak to them.....
now i just hope i dont have to take it to pinapple street for the engine conversion

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:13 pm
by just cruizin'
Just remember the DOT has the final say and NOT your engineer. Just because they interpret the law to say it's OK the DOT may think otherwise. Run what you plan to do by the DOT first.
Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:16 pm
by badger
thats why if you use a decent engineer he will approach transport with a decent plan before you start ............... yes i kno its boring to pre approve lol
but this way u kno that it will be passed and not arrive at transport only to be taken home on a tow truck with a red sticker
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 5:17 pm
by killalux
thanks for all replies, i spoke to keith at kcf today and he told me that track width could not be increased by more than 26mm

Altough he is going to check with DOT. Anyone else recomend a different engineer.
thanks
steve
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 5:32 pm
by antt
i recommend registering it down south. seriously
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 5:35 pm
by killalux
antt wrote:i recommend registering it down south. seriously
trust me i have seriously thought about doing that, anyone know how hard it is to get a vehicle registered in NSW or VIC with a QLD drivers license. I have relatives down that what so i could use their address.
there is just so much bullsh*t involved to get e modified car registered up here
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:32 pm
by chops
once engineerd and registered in NSW, you still run the risk of getting caught driving on QLD roads. I saw a hilux on the w/end with NSW plates, and they said they'd already been pulled up twice and warned by DoT, and the next time they're caught they'll be taking their car home on a trailer