Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

The UJs will catch on the Cap head bolt, so that has been turned down, but, will the suspension droop far enough (limited droop shocks to be used) such that the angle of the drive shafts is enough for the outer UJ to catch the large washer the cap head bolt sits in? That is, does the thick washer need a bit of its edge chamfered off?
Thanks

Graeme,

I feel like I should try to answer your query. I have a series 3 Elan that was converted to 26R by the original owner in the late 1960s. It is fitted w/ the Ser 2 halfshafts w/ crossed rollers. Hard to believe, but it is still sitting in more or less the same condition I bought it 30 years ago. So I don't know where there is interference. I'm afraid you'll need to assemble and check the clearances yourself. Referred to as "suck it and see"

Oh, I've been tempted many times to start on the 45/26R, but I've kept busy w/ career and home additions and restored my Eleven and 20/22 FJr and works Sprite. I also had to re-restore my SS after a deer hit and I'm making good progress in restoring my pre-airflow coupe.

Roger

Elan45 wrote:So I don't know where there is interference.

well, it is simple enough to see : just lift the rear of the car so that the wheels are in not touching, and turn them by hand (a full turn each, both sides not being necessarily identical). If the transmission binds, you'll see it from underneath, possibly even feel it.

Thanks guys.
The reason I ask is that I don't have the limited drop shock inserts yet so can't do a complete dry fit.
I estimate it will be mighty close so I suspect the best thing to do is to machine off a small angle from both the cap head and the washer.

Graeme, I converted my S1 to the TTR sliding shaft axles along with the smaller shock tubes with adjustable springs and limited droop shocks. Upon installation I found that a couple of the bolt heads hit the u-joint upon partial droop. I spoke with TTR about this and they told me to grind the seams on the u-joints, not the bolt heads.

My complete restoration blog has some photos and a mention of this, in case you want a thorough read

lotus-elan-f19/elan-rebuild-story-t34178.html

Thanks Glen.
Yes , your thread has been well read, enjoyed and contributed to by me!
I've re read your pages. The TTR S2 26R drivetrain in slightly different and you wouldn't have had these problems I mentioned, however, it's good to read of your solution to the problem you encountered, as I may too.
Best regards,

Graeme, thanks for contributing to my post and sorry I couldn?t be of more help. I?m up to my eye balls on a Europa restoration at the moment.