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Axle flip

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Axle flip

Postby Timmygee » Tue Jan 09, 2018 5:52 pm

Hi guys and Gals
I’m a newbie to the scene but I grew up in the 70’s and would often drool over pictures of Mk1 Transits with Rover V8 engines, wide Wolfrace wheels luxuriously upholstered in velvet and painted in extravagant colours.
You had to be there.
Anyway, now my time has come.
I’ve invested in a Connect LX and I want to make some mods.
I’m looking to drop in an engine from an ST170 and lower it by flipping the axle.
I’m based in Telford and I’m looking for someone reliable but reasonably priced.
Any advice and assistance would be gratefully received.
Tim
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Re: Axle flip

Postby Kenton » Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:33 am

If you are going have or do all the work to drop a normally aspirated 2.0L in, may be worth considering an RS, or ST (turbo) lump? It will be more expensive, but for all that work for the 2.0L I would definitely think about it and compare prices. Just my personal view.
Good luck with the conversion mate, and keep us updated!! :D
2005 T230 LX 90 TDCi LWB
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Mondeo Inner Door handles & vents
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Side bars
Facelift rear lights
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Re: Axle flip

Postby dumper » Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:45 pm

Are you talking about lowering the rear axle are they still on leaf springs if so why not fit lowering blocks and longer u bolts like they do on mk2 escorts rally cars
MK 8 L4 H3 Motorsport campervan
Past camper vans
1974 mk1 v4 with 2.0 pinto fitted
1986 mk3 2.5 di swb
1990 190 lwb 2.5 di
1998 100 lwb 2.5 di
2006 350 jumbo 135 tdci
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Re: Axle flip

Postby Kenton » Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:22 pm

Good point dumper! Or have the springs re-shaped like i have had done on mine.
2005 T230 LX 90 TDCi LWB
ST 17" alloys
Focus ST170 seats
Fiesta Zetec S/W & G/K
Mondeo Inner Door handles & vents
Sport spoiler
Blacked h/lights
Side bars
Facelift rear lights
Lined/carpeted
Lowered on Gaz kit
110 intercooler
De-Cat
Remapped
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Re: Axle flip

Postby dumper » Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:23 pm

The thing with lowering blocks if you can find some to fit it’s easy to put back to standard if circumstances change
MK 8 L4 H3 Motorsport campervan
Past camper vans
1974 mk1 v4 with 2.0 pinto fitted
1986 mk3 2.5 di swb
1990 190 lwb 2.5 di
1998 100 lwb 2.5 di
2006 350 jumbo 135 tdci
dumper
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Re: Axle flip

Postby paul2012 » Fri Jan 12, 2018 4:35 am

dumper wrote:Are you talking about lowering the rear axle are they still on leaf springs if so why not fit lowering blocks and longer u bolts like they do on mk2 escorts rally cars


Yes 2000-2013 Connects have rear leaf springs & they fit on top of axle :roll:

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Re: Axle flip

Postby dumper » Fri Jan 12, 2018 10:01 am

Lowering blocks will not work then in that case if it was me I’d go for decamber springs cost more but less work or just turn into a campervan that lowers the backend :D :lol:
MK 8 L4 H3 Motorsport campervan
Past camper vans
1974 mk1 v4 with 2.0 pinto fitted
1986 mk3 2.5 di swb
1990 190 lwb 2.5 di
1998 100 lwb 2.5 di
2006 350 jumbo 135 tdci
dumper
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Re: Axle flip

Postby Kenton » Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:32 pm

Yes. £250 to have the rear springs re-formed (missing correct description) which includes new rubbers, U clamps and bolts. I was told at MRS (leafsprings.co.uk) they could 'lower' the springs by up to 5-6 inches (don't quote me though as SWB and LWB differ) Some hardcore people on here would probably want more, but as i use my van for mobile sound and lighting, i need it to cope with a good 500-600KG still. It does do this with a 2 inch drop, but the bump stops still come into play! I will be cutting the bump stops and replacing the rear shocks as a matter of course when the weather improves! :x
2005 T230 LX 90 TDCi LWB
ST 17" alloys
Focus ST170 seats
Fiesta Zetec S/W & G/K
Mondeo Inner Door handles & vents
Sport spoiler
Blacked h/lights
Side bars
Facelift rear lights
Lined/carpeted
Lowered on Gaz kit
110 intercooler
De-Cat
Remapped
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Re: Axle flip

Postby Timmygee » Sun Jan 28, 2018 6:59 pm

Thanks guys.
As I’m only looking for about a 2 inch drop it looks like reprofiling the springs is the best bet.
I’m probably going to go with the ST170 engine and box. Fitted with an induction kit and larger bore exhaust that should be sufficient power.
I’d love to fit the ST225 but the cost is ludicrous.
Body wise I’m looking to remove the plastic arches and replace with blended in arches and side skirts.
The body will be repainted again to make her look good again.
I’ll post photos as things progress.
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Re: Axle flip

Postby Kenton » Sun Jan 28, 2018 8:13 pm

Good choice mate, I had my springs re-profiled by 2". I love the idea of the blended arches, as the initial shape is already there under the plastic covers! Got some pictures of mine after lowering the 2", but bear in mind that i have dropped the front by 35mm on lowered Focus Mk1 TDCI springs too. Good luck man, and be sure to keep us updated with your progress!

WP_20171119_14_53_21_Rich %282%29.jpg


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2005 T230 LX 90 TDCi LWB
ST 17" alloys
Focus ST170 seats
Fiesta Zetec S/W & G/K
Mondeo Inner Door handles & vents
Sport spoiler
Blacked h/lights
Side bars
Facelift rear lights
Lined/carpeted
Lowered on Gaz kit
110 intercooler
De-Cat
Remapped
User avatar
Kenton
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Posts: 581
Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2015 10:09 am
Location: South West London

Re: Axle flip

Postby Graham Taylor » Tue Jan 30, 2018 11:40 pm

Axle flip with adjustable rear hangers.
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