I posted this in another thread but I'm not sure if many people have noticed it,so I have written it up as a whole new thread,I have a couple of questions relating for differential units. Firstly,I compared the VL and VN tailshaft lengths and have revealed they are around 18 - 19 mm different in length either side,the spline length on the VN axle is 40mm in length. I want to know if it is wise to cut down the splines on the VN- VS axle shafts so they will fit into a VL diff housing? Secondly,does anyone know if the early 302 C.I. powered Falcon/Fairlaines and the later 4 litre EFI (EB onwards) came out with a 4 pinion LSD unit,or did they come out with the 2 pinion unit? At this point in time I am rebuilding a VL diff using a 2 pinion 25 spline LSD centre from a 6 cylinder ZF Fairlaine but I am unsure how it will handle around 120- 130 RWKW.

u are far better off going for a 4 pinion 28 spline open centre over the 2 pin 25spl they are crap mate ppl have had axles cut down and resplined buts its dodgey man i think the new eb etc coons had 4 pinion though the earlier coons etc which had a 302 , im not sure on their diff , could find out if u cant , my family mechanic is a ford nutter he knows everything cheers

The 302-351 Cleveland engine in early 80's Fords had 28 spline axels and 4 pinion centres only. And later EB on had 4 pinion 28 splines LSD's.

what about the 302 windsor powered falcs Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

You cant cut down and respline the vn axles as the spline is actually raised, a diff shop told me that you can actually use a long axle and cut it down to make a short axle. It might be worth your while doing what the other guys said and just buy the right axles.

What I should've noted is that I want to cut about 3/4 of an inch off a VN-VS spline which will leave me with a bit over 20mm of spline on the shaft,I measured the spline inside an old VN 28 spline side gear and it was around 20mm and I take that a when these shafts are shortened they will fit into a VL. I would never contemplate having the VN's axles resplined as there would never be enough meat on them which would lead to the splines stripping out under heavy loads,people I have heard assume that a BW 28 spline for example fits straight into a Ford 9 inch with a 28 spline centre and have had them strip out due to the fact the BW spline diameter is a slight bit narrower.

Heres the story. The axle forging (on the splined end) is turned down to a certain diamter. The spline is then 'formed' on the axle by means of pressing. This causes the metal to squish out over the original diamter causing the extra 1mm in diamter. The axles are induction hardened then quenched in water (not oil) I believe. The process of pressing the splines in gives extra strength just like forging a thread as opposed to cutting it. I'm investigating these axles etc now, so I'll tell you how I go. Luke

I mentioned cutting the actual spline,not the actual axle shaft,I just thought I better mention this as I wouldn't even contemplate cutting the shaft down and welding it,just in case this is what some people have been thinking.

I understand what you meant. Do you reckon you can lose some spline length and use em in a VL? Ie: There is 'excess' spline length on the VNs?

Actually I had a close look at the Fairlaine 2 pinion centre I am using for the time being and the extra spline length is needed to drive both the side gears and the LSD cone whereas in a single spinner you could probably get away with cutting down the VN splines. This is because the only thing that is driven in a single spinner is the side gear and pinion assy,I will be using this diff until I can (a) afford the VL 28 spline axle shafts and (b) when I have enough time to build a 4 pinion LSD assy as I now have a lot on my plate with this unit which I want to fit before christmas as I would like to fit my new motor this summer which needs the rear disc conversion.