TR4/4A 4a frame modification

[Rut]

Crazy idea #2091…I want to modify a TR4a irs or TR6 frame for a live axle, but not in the TR4a live axle factory way. I’m thinking of extending the side rails past the waist area and joining it to the rear section using a similar box construction. My 2 extra frames are in great condition with all the supplemental braces welded in and one is powder coated and the other is urethane over epoxy. I’m going to stuff some kind of engine/transmission in this car with higher hp and I really like a live axle since my 67 TR4a had one. That said, I’m also open to options for IRS such as Miata, BMW, etc. This has been a fantasy of mine, but other builds have gotten in the way and once this Scout 2 is out the door I’ll be ready to begin. I also have 4 other good frames sitting under a TR4, 2 4as and a 6 that I can use. Has anyone done this? Suggestions please.
Thanks, Rut

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Crazy idea #2091…I want to modify a TR4a irs or TR6 frame for a live axle, but not in the TR4a live axle factory way. I’m thinking of extending the side rails past the waist area and joining it to the rear section using a similar box construction. My 2 extra frames are in great condition with all the supplemental braces welded in and one is powder coated and the other is urethane over epoxy. I’m going to stuff some kind of engine/transmission in this car with higher hp and I really like a live axle since my 67 TR4a had one. That said, I’m also open to options for IRS such as Miata, BMW, etc. This has been a fantasy of mine, but other builds have gotten in the way and once this Scout 2 is out the door I’ll be ready to begin. I also have 4 other good frames sitting under a TR4, 2 4as and a 6 that I can use. Has anyone done this? Suggestions please.
Thanks, Rut

Hey, Rut -

Sounds interesting. If you haven't already, I suggest you check out the folks on > BritishV8 Forum: < There's a section devoted to Triumph conversions that I'm sure you'll find helpful.

Mickey

 

[Rut]

Hey, Rut -

Sounds interesting. If you haven't already, I suggest you check out the folks on > BritishV8 Forum: < There's a section devoted to Triumph conversions that I'm sure you'll find helpful.

Mickey

Mickey,
I follow British V8 and glean a lot of information from their builds, but really wanted to see what y’all had to say.
Thanks, Rut

 

[Sarastro]

In my solid-axle TR4A, I seriously considered doing this, if I understand what you're suggesting. There is a lot of space in the area where the trailing arms of the IRS cars fit, and you could do a lot with the frame there. I was thinking about adding a frame section, making it into a truss, to improve stiffness. In the end, I just added some stiffening plates to the insides of the frame rearward of the waist. But I still think it's a valid idea.

 

[Rut]

In my solid-axle TR4A, I seriously considered doing this, if I understand what you're suggesting. There is a lot of space in the area where the trailing arms of the IRS cars fit, and you could do a lot with the frame there. I was thinking about adding a frame section, making it into a truss, to improve stiffness. In the end, I just added some stiffening plates to the insides of the frame rearward of the waist. But I still think it's a valid idea.

Steve,
Ill probably ask you lots of questions regarding your ideas on this subject!
Rut

 

[Sarastro]

I'm happy to help! However, since, in the end, I didn't do this, you should take what I say with the proverbial grain of salt.

 

[lram59]

What I always wanted to try was with a TR4 frame and a narrowed and redrilled Dodge 8 3/4 rear with posi. 4 link kits are available along with some basic specs to follow. Please excuse the crude drawing.
Larry