Buy, Sell & Trade Forum

Does anyone have a rear axle or the pumpkin to swap the 4.55 gears out of a 1959 tourer? It has a 1098 cc engine now that seems strong so I am interested in 4.22 and 3.9 gears.

Thanks for all the great contributions on this site... it's pretty amazing and the community is one of the reasons that I just bought my first Morris....

Posting this over on the MGEXP forum will likely bring you better results since the diff you are wanting came in Spridigets.

---

Bob Marcum

1959 Bugeye
1960 Morris Minor Tourer
Ex vintage Mini racer

I've got a spare 3.9, complete Midget 3rd member but I'm in California. I can pull the pumpkin but prefer to sell the whole thing. Postage to you would be pretty high.

Thank you for the lead and idea on the other forums. Still learning to navigate this world...

Gene - I sent you a PM

I'm might be a bit slower off the line- you;ll have to compare the ratio in each gear to know that. I'm sure you can Google the comparisons for Minor diff's directly, or search the forum. It will certainly provide better mileage in top gear for trips and higher top speed easily. And quieter as The engine will be at lower RPM and less strain at highway speed.

I'll check postage. UPS would carry , but they're expensive. I haven't used Greyhound in 3 years they're fast as well as cheaper. Our terminal closed; not enough business. They must still have a route, pick up and drop off somewhere in town. Don;t know where, You cold drive qute a way for what shippng wold cost

You can likely get one closer if there are wreckers near. Sometimes it's all about patience. There were lots of Midgets and lots in wreckng yards that have older cars. Post on he MGB/Midget ste here,look for local clubs and ask about spr/Midget guys hat have parts cars and extra stuff, those who race want lower gears and may have 3.90s,even to trade, advertise on Craigslist regionally...

The diff assembly will weigh aproximately 26# and can be shoipped via UPS. I recently shipped one from the western part of NC to Jacksonville, FL for $26.00

---

Bob Marcum

1959 Bugeye
1960 Morris Minor Tourer
Ex vintage Mini racer

Alright, some avenues to check out. I wouldn't mind having a set of 3.9s for options later on

I probably have both as I am parting out several Spridgets.
But, 89447 in No. Nevada near Reno.

Be aware that the pre '62 (1098cc) minor axle has no provision for filling the diff via the axle casing.. the only 4.2 BMC diff that has a filler in pumpkin(same as pre'62 Minor) is the early sprite/midget one with 1/4 elliptic springs.... all 3.9 and 3.7 diffs have no provision to fill/level oil in the pumpkin.. so either get the ebay sprite 4.2 or modify the sale car to take filler/level plug..or get the gears rebuilt into you existing pumpkin..

IF...one needs to fit a plug for checking, filling oil level it can easily be accomplished in nthe manner many later model axles are built. Once can acquire through e-bay or help isle at many big box parts stores a rubber plug that will allow the user to drill his rear case and insert bringing it up to speed for a servicing. This way, mix and match as you find units for swap can be less a headache.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=rubber+differential+plug&_sacat=0

---

I've seen better days but they have cost me more money..!

5 out of 5 people usually think the other 4 are idiots....

If you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.

Given I had one of those rubber plugs come out on my excreble pile of junk excuse for a vehicle Jeep Liberty CRD, which lead to oil loss and axle whine.(least of the Myriad of problems..engine grenaded at under 120k miles) ..Id recommend welding in a steel threaded plug insert, as did the factory where these axles where produced..

I have never seen one of these just come out...only things that comes to mind is a poor removal by someone who had serviced this...often a dealership where the lube bay folks are totally inexperienced at any mechanical task and they damaged/cut the plug and rather than tell someone or replace it...just slop it back in place possibly with a daub of RTV and hope it gets out the door unnoticed. These are a chore to remove and with care when servicing, will never just come out on their own.

---

I've seen better days but they have cost me more money..!

5 out of 5 people usually think the other 4 are idiots....

If you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.

Please be aware that 3.9 ratio crown wheel and pinion will not fit in 4.55 crown wheel housing , not sure about 4,22 .
Cheers

I believe the 4.22 crown wheel and pinion will fit in a 4.55 pumpkin..and the 3.9 and 3.7 use same housing... swapping gears, replacing pinion bearings etc and all major rebuilding of differentials is best left to axle specialists.. they are difficult for the home rebuilder to get 'right' and some specialist tools required... however.swapping our differentials into different axles is a simple task..