I thought I'd throw this out there as an idea(feel free to tear it to pieces).I was wondering if you could use a subaru gearbox with split window reduction boxes, utilizing folts style axles.







[ Edited on 27-12-2006 by mackaymanx ]

[ Edited on 27-12-2006 by mackaymanx ]

[ Edited on 2-1-2007 by mackaymanx ]

Hi

Sounds like it would work. Im not sure how much power the reduction boxes can handle also the reduction boxes cause positive camber and wheel hop in normal use, maybe they could be laid flat and the box moved forward so that the wheels would stay in the same position or inverted for a really low ride.

Steve

All seems feasible but as Steve C said, the big problem is the reversal of torque that will lift the rear end of the car under acceleration. I'm a bit too pissed to think it through properly now, but it might be reduced with the reduction hubs grafted to IRS-style/trailing arm setup...

what they said, ok for sand, bad for street.

the positive camber on acceleration is great for mud racing, as the wheels push down hard into the mud, gaining better traction, as opposed to squatting (in effect lifting the wheels higher up, reducing downforce)

i am interested in this setup, as we have been working with swing-arm bus gearboxes with reduction hubs on our mudbash car and have been thinking about how to get the reduction hubs attached to a 5spd irs renault gearbox that we have lying around

Any further info on this one?

In answer to original post, yes you could and im stuffed if i know why it isnt done more, especially with off road set ups, i am in the very process of doing this now, here are some links to other custom setups and factory not subaru box but you get the idea http://www.historicwinton.org/thetrialscar41.htm  http://www.partsemporium.co.uk/Split%20Screen%20van%20parts.htm  about halfway down page.

The reverse drive Subaru gearbox is not far off now - around 3 months I'd say. This will have a 'flipped' differential and new crownwheel and pinion to suit the different angle. Check out my thread on the Samba "4WD conversion begins".

All this talk reminds me, I was scratching my head over something like this. Did a fair bit of hunting looking at portal axle setups. If there was a portal axle that didn't work as a reduction setup that'd work really well. But I can't find one.
I even have a good look at the transmissions at the wreckers looking for something that could work. No real luck there either.

The factory made irs reduction hubs in Brazil, i have a thread on this on Samba, here are some pics.
[img]http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/kk259/bevelhead/brazilia%20bus/[/img]