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MG MGA - MGB to MGA rear axle fit?

I am considering installing complete MGB mechanicals 18V? into an MGA body. Will an MGB rear axle fit an MGA ? Disc wheels. What year MGB would be best for the donor? The 1600 A (not my 1500) has nothing but a good frame, windshield, radiator, fuel tank, and body, no other parts or motor mounts. I may be able to finally start on the project this winter, so it is time to start accumulating info now. Any advice would be appreciated!
Russ
Russ Carnes

The early B type is the same. MGBGTs and later MGBs use a different type rear end. If it looks the same it is. I have one under my 1962 MK11. It is how I converted it to wire wheels. My unrestored 1960 roadster came with a 3 main B engine installed and the original one in pieces. I am not sure how a B trans would fit. I understand they are different at the rear. That said. With enough perseverance you can put almost any power train in any car. I helped a friend put a Chevy 454 and turbo 400 in a Hillman station wagon.
R J Brown

I have been thinking about the same thing and it is my understanding that 63 to 67 three main engines and transmissions will bolt in if you take the rear off the B transmission and put the rear of the A transmission on the B transmission. Then the transmission mounts will be the same. The rearend of those early years will also bolt into the housing of the A. In the latter years you will have to change the whole housing if it fits. If you sue the transmission from the latter years wyou will have to do some welding to make the B transmission mount fit in the frame of the A.
GK George

The axle tube will bolt directly onto the rear springs but you'll need the larger U-bolts and lower spring plates from the MGB as the tube type axle is slightly larger in diameter than the original banjo type. The parking brake linkage is different and will require some adapting as well. According to Barney's site there are some issues with the propshaft on the early 1500 style transmissions, but should work with a custom length unit with the later transmissions.
Bill Young

Great info, thank you!

RJ, how did you keep the Hillman from flipping over on it's back??

The 1600's frame will need the goalposts welded back and motor mounts installed, kind of starting with a clean sheet. The frame is solid except for where a rat's nest whizzed a series of small holes into the top of the frame. The later 'B' rear end complete is what will happen. Not only do I want a 4 sync, I want OD as well! Yep it's going to take some welding! Research certainly includes Barney's library as well.
Russ
Russ Carnes

Here is a picture of the Hillman. Not yet finished. Unfortunatly he was forced to sell it at this point due to health issues. There are wheelie bars on the rear.


R J Brown

Russ, your car sounds a lot like the body I started with for my project. I used MGB front uprights and a rear axle for it to retain the wire wheels. http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,6370
Bill Young

Very Cool! A real couple of torque monsters! I thought about the Rover V8, in fact I thought about a complete Rover drive train, however, it will be all I can do to put the "B" into the "A". This car came with competition shocks and front and rear anti roll bars. Not much else left of the mechanicals. One step at a time. Restoration of this car is training for restoring my 1500. Great info on the B spring set up. Thank you for your input!
Russ
Russ Carnes

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2009 and 02/07/2009

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