I have a Ford Ranger rear end in my 544. I need to know the measurement from each backing plate to where the axle mount rubber bushings set in the bushing sleeves.
I need to weld new sleeves in and want them in the proper position.

Thanks

Ray J.

240 Caliper upgrade is a great plan. You adapted that to the 544 spindle/or a 122 d-Brake spindle? Is that a flat steel adapter that you could share- a pattern maybe? The disc was a Rover you had said? I have some new '68 122 discs, and I am sure you did some engineering to get to your ideal set-up.

Thanks, Kayo - 445,780,760V8, '81-242T-4/OD -4sale-375.

The 240 calipers use Land Rover Defender vented rotors and special caliper adapters.
The mock up which I did at the work bench was done using 122 spindles with special caliper adapters in the stock 122 position. After it was aligned and working I started making adapters for the 544.
I have a backup set of 122 calipers, rotors and stock caliper mounts that have not been modified. I will sell these after the testing phase.

Ray J.

I can't wait to get to test the brakes with the ford rear drums. Should be very good.

Howdy RayJ,
We really enjoyed posts of brake mods, Iron Duke install, and the stunning paint photos. I went out to the U-Pull-It on 1/2 price day and yanked a Duke after seeing your clean install. Saw one bored w/409 Chev.pistons/Turbo-Quick !

That Ranger rear---did you use a 2nd short side axle tube & half shaft to center the D/shaft? (Thought it wuz you?).

I seem to remember your post on an adapter for 240 calipers that you had made up for the 544 spindles, and may be possibly available to us at some point? I would like to hear about that piece, & lot of 544 folks could pay for this kit!!

Great to see you are still tackling the build, and I for one really appreciate your engineering talent and that you can share those great photos on occasion.

Best Regards, Ken in FLA, 445,760V8(in'95),780,Lark VIII, '71 GMC-3door'Burb

I enjoy my 1988 S15 with the Duke engine and 5-speed. 168,000 miles and just one alternator is the only problem other than exhaust system replacement.
The Ranger rear end was done in 2004 and it was cut down by Moser Engineering to accept another short side axle. Cost back then was $50.00 to cut it and they did it while I waited. If you have the picture of the rear end setting in the back of my S15 you can see leaf spring mount on a piece of tubing at each end of the housing This was always a temporary way of being able to move it around.
Now is the time to do it right.
Yes I had the 240 calipers mounted up top so I did not have to move the shocks.

The wife said get the Volvo or the Morris Minor going by next spring. Still need to assemble the Toyota engine for the Morris so the Volvo went on the firing line. Just finished installing a rebuild kit in the steering box so on to the rear end.

Ray J.

if I understand you right 6-3/4in to 8-1/2 in I have an extra rear end in the shop and that is what I measure

Thanks for the measurement.

To double check, it is 6-3/4 in from backing plate to the near lip of the mount and 8-1/2 to the far side of the mount ?

Thanks

Ray J.

I will try to take accurate measurements over the week end.

Do you know the diameter of the Ranger rear axle tube?

I ask because I have a 2 piece repair sleeve, but it is for the stock diameter 2 1/4" 444/544 axle tubes.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Hello,
The axle tube is 2-3/4" in diameter. I have the orange poly mounts which can be machined to the larger diameter.

Ray J.