Early driveshafts

[Vespanation]

Hi,

I posted this in the parts supplier section, but got no response. Can folks recommend a few good used parts (spares) selling companies in the UK? My 1960 Morris Mini-minor came with a later engine, I think it's a 1973 Austin 1300 engine. I've got a correct engine for it now, but I need the early driveshafts to make it complete.

Thanks,
Paul B.

[mk1]

Good S/H parts suppliers are thin on the ground nowadays.

A couple of good ones are

Tim @ Minimail - https://www.minimail.co.uk/

Nick @ min-e-bitz - http://min-e-bitz.co.uk/

Always best to email or phone them direct to ask a question.

[AndyPen]

Just spotted this one on ebay, and Somerford do the shafts I think?


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274935239884 ... SwEwFhCr0q

The 'yokes' are the main thing you'll need, and the joints themselves:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143200517475 ... Sw~VBcS7nO


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304031562454 ... 1113.m2108

[W1NG3D]

I'm just about to convert the driveshafts on my Mk1 to the later pot joint type, so the old ones could be up for sale soon if you're interested.

[iain1967s]

Be aware when sourcing 'early' parts that the driveshafts changed design between pre- and post- 1960, along with many of the transmission and drive-line components.

Mk1 1959 and 1960 cars - generally those with cone synchromesh (22A363 gearbox or prior) - had smaller main shaft and bearing, different output shafts, spline profile and number of splines (18), compared to later Mk1 1961-onward with 19 splines.

As well as the gearbox internals and diff output shafts, both sides of the yoke, drive shafts, CV joints, drive flanges and wheel bearings are all different on the pre-1961 cars compared to later Minis. These are not interchangeable as individual parts.

[iain1967s]

Which gearbox do you have on the 850 engine? What style driveshafts are on the car currently?

Although the yokes are different due to the spline counts pre- and post-1960, they all use the same size crucifix joint. So it's possible to use later 1961+ 19 spline driveshafts, CVs etc. from the yoke outwards, and still retain an earlier 1959/60 gearbox with 18 spline from the yoke inwards.

Or vice-versa, which is what I’m guessing may be on your car if you had a 1300 engine transplanted from an Austin America etc.

Just an FYI, to be careful and specific with what you ask for regarding 'early Mk1' and '1960' etc...

I’m in the Boston MA area and have a few bits and pieces from various donor cars. PM me your email if you want to discuss directly.

[Vespanation]

Ok, I checked the gearbox. The casting number is 22G104, and the specific gearbox serial number is 28409.
- Paul

[iain1967s]

No such thing as a 22G104. Probably meant 22A104.

That’s the early, first generation aluminium gearbox casing with the A-type gears, cone synchromesh on 10 spline ‘thin’ mainshaft, and smaller OD main bearing. The corresponding car would have had the earlier 18 spline driveshaft setup originally.

But I recommend you count the splines on the drive flange where the wheels bolt to, originally it would have been 18 spline 2A4244 but it may already have been swapped out already for later 19 spline hubs with twin leading shoe etc.

If not, you’re in for a hard time trying to locate 18 spline driveshafts and CVs if you want to stay original - those parts were only in production for two years, over 60 years ago, so are very rare these days… Example [out of stock]: https://www.7ent.com/products/driveshaf ... r0010.html

[mk1]

MUCH easier to swap to the slightly later setup than find this really early stuff.

Only reason to persevere would be to maintain 100^% originality. No one would ever know (or care) if you did change it.

[CooperTune]

The last time I held an early axle in my hand was 1971 and that was just one. I'd think finding a set would be harder than finding a 190 gear box. Steve (CTR)

[Vespanation]

Ah, ok. So for my own clarity. I'm counting the splines on the wheel hub - the bit with the wheel studs sticking out of it. Not the splines on the other end, where the rubber U-joint is. Correct?

- Paul

[CooperTune]

Now you are confusing me. The splines you want to count are in the CV joint, the star axle outer end connects to. Steve (CTR)

[Vespanation]

Ok, I think I've got it. It would be the number of splines on the actual axle shaft where that end of the axle plugs into the CV joint, yeah?
- Paul

[CooperTune]

Yes, I'd agree with that. Good luck, as I mentioned it has been 50 years since I have seen one. Steve (CTR)