Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
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Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Yes I read all the bad reports on the green bearings about ten years ago.
Here's what the guru Dr Diff has to say
<<Unfortunately, the original Mopar Green wheel bearing design has 2 problems.
First generation (RP-400) Green bearings, still sold by Mopar Performance and others, are problematic because the crimped-on flange will not allow the bearing to wiggle around inside a housing that is not perfectly straight (none are).
In addition, the design causes the axle to be inserted DEEPER into the housing than necessary. This results in pre-loading against the differential thrust block and early bearing failure.
Second generation (MO-400) snap-ring style Green bearings are forgiving because they can move around inside the housing and they do not preload the differential thrust block in a stock application.
Most guys who have problems with Green Bearings are running the RP-400 first generation version or incorrectly made aftermarket axles or housings or poorly designed rear disc brake kits, all of which cause pre-loading and premature bearing failure.
I have several customers running MO-400 snap-ring Green bearings in daily drivers. The design is no different than what came stock in millions of other vehicles, including ’60s era Mopar 7.25″ and Ford 9″ rears. I do not stock, nor do I recommend the first generation RP-400 Green bearing with the crimped-on 5 hole retainer. I only carry the “loose fit, snap ring style” second generation MO-400 design.>>
As Martin says, it appears the standard oil sealing can be an issue in circuit racing. I'm still getting a little leakage through the stock seals after replacing with new, and improving the axle breathing. So I thought I'd give the green bearings a go (also with a view to reducing end float)
Apparently the later snap-ring version of the Green Bearings was designed after input from Moser. Which should be worth something, I guess.
If money were not an issue, Strange do a proper full-floater kit that also allows toe-in and negative camber adjustments!
Here's what the guru Dr Diff has to say
<<Unfortunately, the original Mopar Green wheel bearing design has 2 problems.
First generation (RP-400) Green bearings, still sold by Mopar Performance and others, are problematic because the crimped-on flange will not allow the bearing to wiggle around inside a housing that is not perfectly straight (none are).
In addition, the design causes the axle to be inserted DEEPER into the housing than necessary. This results in pre-loading against the differential thrust block and early bearing failure.
Second generation (MO-400) snap-ring style Green bearings are forgiving because they can move around inside the housing and they do not preload the differential thrust block in a stock application.
Most guys who have problems with Green Bearings are running the RP-400 first generation version or incorrectly made aftermarket axles or housings or poorly designed rear disc brake kits, all of which cause pre-loading and premature bearing failure.
I have several customers running MO-400 snap-ring Green bearings in daily drivers. The design is no different than what came stock in millions of other vehicles, including ’60s era Mopar 7.25″ and Ford 9″ rears. I do not stock, nor do I recommend the first generation RP-400 Green bearing with the crimped-on 5 hole retainer. I only carry the “loose fit, snap ring style” second generation MO-400 design.>>
As Martin says, it appears the standard oil sealing can be an issue in circuit racing. I'm still getting a little leakage through the stock seals after replacing with new, and improving the axle breathing. So I thought I'd give the green bearings a go (also with a view to reducing end float)
Apparently the later snap-ring version of the Green Bearings was designed after input from Moser. Which should be worth something, I guess.
If money were not an issue, Strange do a proper full-floater kit that also allows toe-in and negative camber adjustments!
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Realised this morning that i hadn’t checked whether the thrust button had become displaced during the halfshaft removal. Had visions of it getting caught in the diff gears, so pulled the halfshafts again to check. Shone a torch down inside the axle and Sure enough, the right hand half of it wasn’t there !
Just as i was resigned to pulling the centre section, I thought i’d try using a magnet to fish around for the thrust button.
Left hand side came out of its recess ok !
And after about a minute of fishing around the bottom of the axle, result with the the other half !
Just as i was resigned to pulling the centre section, I thought i’d try using a magnet to fish around for the thrust button.
Left hand side came out of its recess ok !
And after about a minute of fishing around the bottom of the axle, result with the the other half !
Last edited by Matt on Thu Feb 27, 20 3:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
A guy I know who used to race a Z28 camaro in the thunder saloons back in the mid 70,s he said they used to bend the axle cases in a press to give a touch of negative camber he said if you were lucky the bearings would last the race
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WATTS RACING TRANSMISSIONS, CLOBBER THE COMPETITION ITS CLOBBERIN TIME
OFTEN OUTNUMBERED NEVER OUTGUNNED,
HEY WHATS THE TOP END ON THAT SUPERSPORTS. UNLIMITED,
I HAVE A NVQW
LIFE GOES PRETTY FAST, IF YOU DONT LOOK ROUND A WHILE YOU MAY JUST MISS IT,
THE PASS IS THE JUICE,
LOVED BY FEW,
HATED BY MANY
RESPECTED BY ALL
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Interesting info there Matt,Not something Ive looked into for years,I always check theres no butting of halfshafts in centre though
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Finally fitted the Minilites and some new race tyres . Now that’s the look i’ve been waiting for ! I think the rear needs lowering just a little then I’ll have properly nailed it
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Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
That looks the nuts
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Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
life is not a spectator sport
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andy robinson
68 572 coronet RT
72 440 chrysler new yorker
69 518 daytona
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Wow, that looks absolutely superb. Just what it needed and a good stance.
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Are we there yet dad ..... 10 to the gallon but worth it.
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Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Tyre bulge rules! Got that on my 340 now.
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Looks like there is the possibility of a Trans-Am race series at UK circuits, maybe next year. Apparently Julius Thurgood/HRDC are involved.
Fingers crossed it happens.
Instagram trans_am_gb
If anyone needs contact details, let me know.
Fingers crossed it happens.
Instagram trans_am_gb
If anyone needs contact details, let me know.
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
I assume that is the "Julius" that did the $3.5M '71 Hemi 'Cuda??
...and bought two of my "Wing cars"??
...and bought two of my "Wing cars"??
Pete Wiseman; Cambridge.
Mopar by the grace of God
Mopar by the grace of God
Re: Matt's 1970 'Trans-Am' Cuda
Different Julius ?
Last edited by Matt on Thu Apr 23, 20 5:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.