412 rear axle

[Andy G]

Hi folks.
So the 412 project is coming along slowly. But can anyone tell me what back axle they used in 1980 , it's a detuned engine that is going back up in bhp ,will probably Dyno just ov noer 300 after so I need to know what the axle can take and or what parts to use.
Thanks Andy

[Kevin H]

Given Bristol's aversion to change, I'd be surprised if it wasn't the same Salisbury axle with 4HA Powr-Lok (limited slip) diff that they used on the earlier 412s and 411s. Same as the Dana Spicer 44 I believe. The 4HA's were used on the earlier V8s as well, but I don't know if they were all LSDs.

The same axle was used on many powerful cars - Jensen, Aston, Jag, TVR ...

If damage is going to be done, it will be the torque that does it!

[Andy G]

Thanks Kevin that great info cheers Andy

[Andy G]

Hi folks . So I've rebuilt the one front side suspension and brake caliper,that's all back on and looking good but I've just striped the other side down and the spring is broken, any idea what the spring was off .
Again thank you for all your input so far massive help

[Kevin H]

Hi Andy,
I assume you mean the front suspension coil spring is broken?

As far as I am aware the front coil springs are not from any other car - they were made specifically for Bristol. Fortunately I have the spring specs, which Bristol kindly provided many years ago; this was for the 411, which has the same chassis as the 412.

This is the info you need to give to a spring maker:

306 lbs/inch +/- 15
spring wire diameter 0.625 inch
active coils 8.56
total coils 10.06
spring length should end up being 15 inches

If I were you I would get a pair of springs made and replace both of them.

Do you have the various parts that go above and below the springs? You can find pictures of the parts here http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/8...on.html#post83

I bought these parts from Bristol Cars Services, but I don't know where you would get them from now.

Regards,
Kevin

[Andy G]

Thanks Kevin your a great help to me . Bigger, I really can't see they would have done that , the cost would have been big for no gain but if we don't know what they are then . Thanks Andy

[Kevin H]

Andy,
Bristol Cars (Brian Marelli) gave me the spring specs because it was going to be very expensive to send springs to Australia from the UK. I'm sure if they were from another car Brian would have told me.

Bear in mind also, that Dennis Sevier went to great lengths to perfect the front suspension in the 411, so it is very likely he produced his own spring specs, after all, it wasn't expensive to get springs made.

Regards,
Kevin

[Andy G]

Thanks again .
She is coming along nicely .
Thanks .
A friend of mine has just finished a 15 restoration of a 67 Mustang fastback 309 . He looked at the Bristol yesterday and couldn't believe how i have bought the chassis back . Hee didn't think it was going to be as good as it is , that was nice

[Andy G]

Originally Posted by Kevin H

Hi Andy,
I assume you mean the front suspension coil spring is broken?

As far as I am aware the front coil springs are not from any other car - they were made specifically for Bristol. Fortunately I have the spring specs, which Bristol kindly provided many years ago; this was for the 411, which has the same chassis as the 412.

This is the info you need to give to a spring maker:

306 lbs/inch +/- 15
spring wire diameter 0.625 inch
active coils 8.56
total coils 10.06
spring length should end up being 15 inches

If I were you I would get a pair of springs made and replace both of them.

Do you have the various parts that go above and below the springs? You can find pictures of the parts here http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/8...on.html#post83

I bought these parts from Bristol Cars Services, but I don't know where you would get them from now.

Regards,
Kevin

.
Hi Kevin
I've just ordered them to be made. £203 the pair with vat and p&p