driveshaft close to chassis

[TomMull]

The driveshaft seems too close to the aperture in the new chassis. I've carefully measured both chassis and I find no difference. Am I missing something? Should I be concerned?

Tom

[Donels]

I suggest more pictures are required to give an answer. It appears the diff is not central but from the one picture its impossible to help.

[The Veg]

The shaft should be offset to that side a little since the diff's input is not in the centre. That said, the shaft should not touch the edge of that hole. I had a similar problem during my five-speed conversion but it was due to the propshaft shop using a tube that was too large when they made-up the shaft.

Assuming that the diff is properly mounted and the shaft is the correct size, that leaves the engine & transmission mounts, but even then, that's all at the other end of the shaft and shouldn't produce this much of an issue at the back end.

[ncm]

You have put the diff mounting bolts in the wrong way round. On a Plus 2 the bolts are inserted from below as it is impossible to remove them once the fuel tank is fitted into the body..

Brian.

[Hawksfield]

Hi ncm

Do you have your torqe rods fited??

John

[ncm]

Hi ncm

Do you have your torqe rods fited??

John

I think you should be asking Tom this question??

Brian.

[Harvey]

I had a professional Lotus mechanic fit a new Spyder chassis to my '71 Plus 2S over 20 years ago. However, the propshaft rubbed on the right side of the chassis when installed. The solution was to grind a small amount off the chassis to provide clearance.

Lee

[ceejay]

Out of interest, I just had a look under my S2 elan, the gap on the LHS of the prop shaft is about an inch, and on the RHS the gap between prop and chassis tunnel web is about half an inch.

[Hawksfield]

ncm
Sorry my age related error of poor concentration

John

[gus]

It is not impossible to get them out, but it sure is a PITA
Ask me how I know.....

[TomMull]

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry so long in getting back.Here are some comments on your suggestions:
No, torque rods are not fitted. Perhaps can gain a a few mm with those.
Thanks for pointing out my error on the wrong way bolts, I'll certainly take care of that.
I wish now that I'd paid attention to this detail when I removed the drive line.
Tom

[TomMull]

At least I'm not alone. Here is another and looks like the same chassis.
https://classicmotorsports.com/project-cars/1964-lotus-elan/rebuilding-and-refurbishing-suspension-restoration/

Tom