About the Rear-axle of a '85 GT-S

[Gristok]

I was wondering about the independent rear axle in my celica. Could i switch from independent to a solid rear axle? And if so would it be more of a pain in the ass to convert to solid or leave it independent? Also if i can do this what would any of you think would be better... Further feedback would be great. Thanks.

[stepho]

By universal I think you mean IRS (Independent Rear Suspension).
IRS contains universal joints to do part of its job.

IRS is tons better than a solid axle in most regards because each wheel can go over a bump without affecting the other wheel.
For solid axles, if the left wheel goes over a bump then it raises that side.
This cause the axle to be at a tilt, which means that the other wheel is no longer flat on the ground.
If your tyre has enough flex then it can handle this.
But low profile sports tyres don't have much flex, so you are limited to how much grip you have on the road whenerver you hit a bump.
IRS simple lets each wheel do its job without upsetting the other wheel.

But if you are really dedicated to swapping to a solid axle, then simply swap the bits from an RA61 or RA64 (yours is an RA65).
You could even get away with bits from an RA42/42.
Either way, you need to make a panhard rod mount (look under the donor car for a big foot long bracket hanging down).
Welding must be of very good quality because it takes a lot of forces.

My Celica webpage shows which are IRS (others are solid axle).
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/stepho/celprod.htm#cel3pr

My advice - keep IRS.

- Stepho

[Gristok]

Yes thanks for the correction I don't know what I was thinking when I put universal(first post is corrected). Also thanks for the advice about the IRS suspension... Thats the response I was looking for...Peace

[BrightTundra04]

the only main advantage i see with a straight sxle vs. ID is that the upgrading of the axle is easier. I am building a monster in my celica and because it has a solid read axle i am able to put a ford 8.8 out of a fox body under it to handle the larges amounts of power i am going to put to the ground. If you are wondering what i mean by monster check my post on putting a 302 in a celica as well as doing twin turbos on my 22re.

[stepho]

If you want a super strong diff but want to stay IRS (for better handling) then try using the original GT-S rear end (axles, K-frame, hubs, etc) but substitute in the entire diff case (plus contents) from a circa 1990 Cressida Grande MX83.
This is a G series diff, which was used in most Landcruisers and the 4 litre V8 Crowns.
Might have to swap the tailshaft yoke.

You might also consider upgrading the axles but this may involve more complexities.
Measure where the Cressida rear end bolts to the chassis.
If the 4 bolts are in the same place as teh GT-S then you could even swap the entire rear end.
Rear track might change a little.

- Stepho