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Thread: Has anyone fitted a ra40 diff in a 86??

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    Has anyone had any problems with the diff after fitted? Do I still use the T18 rear 1/2 shaft? Which hand brake cables should I use?

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    isn't the ra40 diff still a T series? ie: just a T18 diff with different brackets?
    30kw club

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    Yes, the RA40 diff is a T series. So you will need the T18 rear section of the tailshaft. Use whatever handbrakes cables are fitted. If they are too long put a spacer under the adjuster nut on the handbrake lever, or use an SV11 handbrake cable front sectioin.

    I've heard that the RA40 diff mounts are slightly different to T18/AE86, but can still be mounted up, two of the trailing arms just need to be persuaded a bit. This is unconfirmed and I'd be interested to hear about your results.

    Hen

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    A few people have used the RA40 rear end in a AE86. You can also use a RT132 Corona rear end. But niether are exactly the same as a AE86/TE71 so it only sort of fits. You need a adjustable panhard rod, or change the length of your panhard rod with a hacksaw and welder.

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    apart from the pan-hard rod does it fit exactly?
    30kw club

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    as far as I know the panhard rods ARE the fit? I think you need to shorten the drive shaft tho

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    the reason why I ask is because I am sure I could get RA40 diffs real easy and cheap but T18 diffs are real hard to get now. Ontop of that custom pan-hards are a 30 min job for me once I am setup.
    30kw club

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    it will fit trailing arms can be tough to get in as the mounts are further apart than an T18 diff. if you were using a 4 link this may (in theory) not be as big an issue due to the extra angle you can have on the arms due spherical bearing joint, don't take that as gospel, it's just an opinion I've hel for a while, never had the time or parts to prove it, logic says it's doable.

    yes you use the T18 tailshaft (rear section)

    I would try the cables that are with it, if they don't fit use the cables from your 86 from memory they work fine (86 ones)

    the housing itself is wider, benefit being you can run a fairly positive offset rim (+10mm +15mm) and still fill your guards.



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    Hi,
    Have a look at

    This is my brothers car. It fits, but two ot the trailing arms aren't 100% perfect. It hasn't affected the handling on his car though.

    The panhard rod was a long jobbie, but it may have simply been an adjustable Sprinter one (allowing extra length through adjustment).

    An added bonus is avoidance of bullsh#t Takumiu tax associated with T18 diffs.

    Cheers

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    i finally fitted the ra40 diff today afew things to clear up for every one.
    1. ra40 trailing arm bushes dont fit into 86 trailing arms. i used ra40 trailing arms and made a tube to fit inside the crush tube making it the same size as 86 ones.
    2. t18 rear half needs to be used
    3. 86 hand brake cadles fit and have to be used
    4. noltec adj panhard rod fits.
    5. spring seats are smaller, springs seem to hold in there ok tho. will be tieing down with wire to make sure
    6. trailing arms dont need to be persuaded much.
    it worked out cheaper than t18 just more stuffing aroud to fit it.
    and have a nob mate there to do all the tightening of the bolts make life that little bit more enjoyable. :2thumbs: thanks KE70briskev

    and get one with a sway bar or you'll have to get mounts welded on like i do :rant:

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