63 replies to this topic

[Dog]

right, was chatting to a fellow TMFer, and they mentiond about going beam axle....
I had done a seach and couldn't really find what I was after...


All I know about beam axles is that they improve handling no end... and that I have to cut my boot out...
I wsa wondering, does anyone have any detailed pics of a beam axle fitted? and how does it fit...
I am tempted to do this, just to save weight!! but if its going to be a costly, time watsing process I won't bother.

[steveobennet]

do you mean a proper beam axle (as in the same on an mk5 escort etc) or the aftermarket one that does away with the cones? if you talking the latter of the two i have fitted one, found it to be quite easy. i have yet to test it on the road but it is a hell of alot lighter! heres some pics. if not disregard whit i just said

[Jobu]

I have a FRA fully galvanised rear beam on my mini (But i think FRA are no longer?)

But if you want a proper rear beam axle, i think Allspeed engineering do a 5 link one, or something like that. But i think you have to do major mods to the boot floor and heel board panel, dont quote me on that though.

[1984mini25]

I know Tarks did away with the rear subframe on his van and fitted a beam axle with coilovers.

[Dog]

What are the huddersfirld axles like?

I have heard one beam that one company make is a bit weak... whos is it?

[Jobu]

I personally think hudderfields look abit weak, but i havent had no experience with it, have only seen it at a show.

[Guess-Works.com]

It's the huddersfield one which is considered to be lesser quality...

also, it's not a beam axle, it's a beam subframe.... very subtle but important differences as higlighted above...

[Dog]

laern something new everyday!

So who else does Beam"subframes"?

[Jobu]

Havent got a clue if they are still going, but they still have a website:

FRA

[mozzo1]

can anyone help me out, iv just fitted a huddersfield beam axle and im not sure if my standard radius ars are gonna fit as aint got my coil overs yet and it looks like they wont work .. what work has gotta be done ? any info will help how ever small your info is please help

Edited by mozzo1, 19 October 2008 - 05:14 PM.

[R.S.P]

Heres a pic of an FRA alloy one on mine




The only alteration I had to do was to cut the knuckles off the radious arms where the trumpets would normally fit in to

[mozzo1]

do you mean a proper beam axle (as in the same on an mk5 escort etc) or the aftermarket one that does away with the cones? if you talking the latter of the two i have fitted one, found it to be quite easy. i have yet to test it on the road but it is a hell of alot lighter! heres some pics. if not disregard whit i just said

hi steve did you have to cut anything to get your coil overs on as i put my standard ones on just as a moc up and there quite close to body and obviously coilovers will have a spring to fit in there as well

[kez_19]

Heres a pic of an FRA alloy one on mine




The only alteration I had to do was to cut the knuckles off the radious arms where the trumpets would normally fit in to

am i right in thinking that your rear beam is just a u profil on its side with some brackets made for the radius arms and a couple of bolts through the heal board ???? it looks like that from what i can see in the picture of yours

is there a homepage or some better pics somewhere that i can have a look at

cheers michael

[mozzo1]

Heres a pic of an FRA alloy one on mine




The only alteration I had to do was to cut the knuckles off the radious arms where the trumpets would normally fit in to

am i right in thinking that your rear beam is just a u profil on its side with some brackets made for the radius arms and a couple of bolts through the heal board ???? it looks like that from what i can see in the picture of yours

is there a homepage or some better pics somewhere that i can have a look at

cheers michael

i wish i had of seen this before i brought mine as i would of made one myself as this one looks sosimpy and strait forward

[R.S.P]

Yes it is just an alloy c section with plates welded in to accept the arms.

bolts to standard subframe mount holes, but I drilled and added some more through the heal board just be sure lol.

Also it is very very light and wont rust

Edited by R.S.P, 22 October 2008 - 07:02 PM.