AWD intermediate Axle / A/C question

[98mitsubishigst]

Hey guys, i been trying to figure something out. (I have a 97 Eclipse GST, AWD swapped, with a 96 Transmission.)

I understand that you need a 95-96 a/c bracket with the 95/96 axle and you need a 97-99 axle for a 97-99 a/c bracket..

But does it matter which transmission you have? I have a 96 transmission with my 97 engine.. Are all 95-99 axles the same?

Do i need a 96 axle with my 96 transmission? or can i use a 97-99 axle with my 96 transmission?

The reason i am asking is because my 97-99 axle has the longer bracket, but it doesn't bolt on without the ac bracket, but i don't have a ac bracket, and i can just buy a 95-96 axle cheaper than to buy a ac bracket, should i just buy a 95-96 axle?

Thanks.

 

[TalonKaos]

If you don't have the bracket you can use washers like some people have. One side of the axle carrier bracket sits overlapping the ac bracket in the awd. If it's not there then there is a gap. You have to make a spacer or fill that gap.

 

[Chumpaumpalumpa]

If you don't have the bracket you can use washers like some people have. One side of the axle carrier bracket sits overlapping the ac bracket in the awd. If it's not there then there is a gap. You have to make a spacer or fill that gap.

What happens if you leave the gap?

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

What happens if you leave the gap?

It will put the geometry for the drivers side axle off. I'm not even sure it will have enough clearance for the axle to get by the block and it will put that axle into the transmission at an angle so I doubt it will seal really.

 

[Chumpaumpalumpa]

It will put the geometry for the drivers side axle off. I'm not even sure it will have enough clearance for the axle to get by the block and it will put that axle into the transmission at an angle so I doubt it will seal really.

I have the gap there with no leaks or issues that I know of I was told to leave it Could that be causing a clunking sound on left turns?

 

[TalonKaos]

i could be wrong but I think the sound is coming from a different problem. Leaving the gap behind the carrier bracket probably isnt a good thing though either way. I would jack up the corner in question and shake down the wheel to try to isolate the clunk sound. If it is the axle carrier, its easy to fix.

 

[Chumpaumpalumpa]

i could be wrong but I think the sound is coming from a different problem. Leaving the gap behind the carrier bracket probably isnt a good thing though either way. I would jack up the corner in question and shake down the wheel to try to isolate the clunk sound. If it is the axle carrier, its easy to fix.

I have a thread on it. No one seems to know where its coming from.

 

[TalonKaos]

I have a thread on it. No one seems to know where its coming from.

ill have to check it out. if i were you i would fill the gap just to eliminate that as a possibility.

 

[TalonKaos]

Here are pics with and without the AC bracket behind the axle carrier on an 2ga AWD.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Is your axle carrier wiggly or loose? I never thought about that when you posted up your "strange sound"? I would bet if it moves that you can see it wearing on the shoulder of the bolts. I know I used the A/C bracket just no A/C and never thought about what would happen if my car didn't have that bracket since the A/C was gone when I got my car. I actually had a broken bolt in one of the mounting holes and thought I was gonna have one hell of a time getting it out but I got lucky and it came out as I was drilling it for a easy out. With one bolt still being tight up against the block, you may be just fine.