Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

posted by  someone claiming to be gert on  Mon Jul 21 08:37 CST 2003 [RELATED]

Pete wrote:
The difference is in the "railway tunnel" rubber bush the 544 has clamped round its axle. Also a 544 has a torque rod assembly on top of the banjo housing, which from memory an early 444 doesn't have.

Allright Pete, but is that why the mounting points for the rear suspension legs are positioned in a different way on my '52 444 axle when compared to a 544 axle ? On both types these legs were the same, weren't they ? But it appears I can't use the 544 mounting points for my 444 suspension legs. I have to cut them off and weld on the 444 mountings. Now this can and will be done of course, but I would like to know the reason why.

Regards
Gert








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    444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

    posted by  someone claiming to be gert on  Sun Aug 10 04:25 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    Well I've figured it all out now. Main difference appeared to be the lower mounting points of the rear shocks, which are welded on the suspension legs of the 544 and late 444 (appr. 1955 on), whereas on earlier 444s these are welded onto the axle. I solved the problem by buying and fitting 544 legs, U-bolts, rubbers, etc. including 544 rear brake drums.

    Gert








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    444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

    posted by  someone claiming to be John Hamilton on  Mon Jul 21 13:51 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    Gert,
    Since you are going through all that trouble to change third members, would it make sense to go to a ES rear axle (Dana 30) and get the advantage of disc brakes plus a very favorable 4:33 rear ratio. The width difference is negligible (1/8 inch) and the swap is relatively easy. Of course you will have to convert the front brakes to 122 discs and plumb in a proportioning valve and the bolt pattern difference is a consideration as well. A PV with real brakes is a joy to behold.
    J.








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      444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

      posted by  someone claiming to be Gert on  Tue Jul 22 23:41 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      John,

      It would have made sense if you had told me a year ago. But not now I have spent a fortune on Volvo-parts already (544 axle, 122 disc brakes, proportioning valve, AW71, new 544 rear brake drums, wheel bearings, oil seals, you name it). Apart from that, Dana axles are not easily available in the Netherlands, where I live. I guess I won't be happy either with the overseas shipping cost for an axle...

      Gert








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        444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

        posted by  someone claiming to be John Hamilton on  Wed Jul 23 00:22 CST 2003 [RELATED]

        Sorry I din't reply sooner. Sounds like you and I are going down the same road. I initially adapted Ford axle tubes and ends to the type 27 rear and used aftermarket axles made by a drag strip racer supplier but I still kept braking or twisting the axles. That was the reason for finally going to the ES set up. Only problem I had was initially balancing the 122 front discs with the huge Es rear rotors. First race had me going backward at speed when braking at the end of a long straightaway.
        IPD here inthe States has recently started remanufacturing rear sway bars for your set up that I am sure you will appreciate.
        John








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          444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

          posted by  122 and 940 and too many on  Thu Jul 24 10:36 CST 2003
          Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
          last visit: Mon Apr 25 13:12 CST 2011
          [RELATED]

          I reckon the car is slower with the rear IPD bar through the twisty bits, and lobbed it into a handy scrap metal bin. It does however feel more flattering to the driver. We fitted a PV with a slightly narrowed 240 axle a while back. To be honest I don't reckon rear disks are that much of an advantage. I much prefer the Amazon Girling setup over the original Wagner though.

          The Wagner is more powerful, but also less predictable.

          Regards


          Pete








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          444 axle differences, part 2 444-544

          posted by  someone claiming to be gert on  Wed Jul 23 06:45 CST 2003 [RELATED]

          I was told that a front sway bar was the most beneficial. After 6 months I succeeded in finding one (IPD) over here. Will try this first.
          Good to hear that they started remanufacturing them.

          Gert







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