What to know
- Rear axles vary by gear ratio (3.44 to 4.44) and differential type (open or LSD), affecting performance on snow and ice.
- Install after mounting upper/lower control arms on both rear sides during chassis assembly for the Corris Rivett project car.
- Source from junkyard, classifieds, or shops like PSK Tuning; expect wear issues if damaged gears aren't replaced.
- Proper setup ensures power transfer from transmission, vital for winter traction and avoiding breakdowns.
In My Winter Car, you'll need to tackle the rear axle early in assembling your Corris Rivett, the main project car resembling a 1970s Ford Taunus, ensuring it handles Finland's brutal snow roads without spinning out or grenading. Here's how to go about it:
Rear axle sourcing locations
Hunt junkyards for project car parts like the Corris Rivett chassis, often found in open fields or behind red properties on the map; classifieds at PSK Tuning or Fleetari offer new/used axles, while home garage benches aid inspection—stock up early as RNG drops vary, with duplicates common for brakes but axles rarer.
Rear axle types decoded
Gear ratios suit different driving: lower like 3.44 (SA) for highway cruising and fuel efficiency, higher 4.44 (SE) for steep snowy hills and towing firewood—pair LSD (B variants) for better traction when one wheel slips on ice, versus open diffs that spin freely.
How to install the rear axle
Follow this sequence during chassis build to avoid attachment fails— you'll use wrench and bolt prompts on your warmed garage bench.
Step 1
Mount rear upper control arms on both left/right chassis sides using bolts; prompts appear when positioned correctly.
Step 2
Attach rear lower control arms similarly, ensuring alignment tabs face inward for stability.
Step 3
Position rear axle assembly under chassis, aligned with mounts—grab prompt shows "Attach rear axle"; bolt securely.
Step 4
Install front suspension counterpart, then coil springs/shocks; torque all to avoid rattles on first drive.
Step 5
Connect driveshaft later after transmission; fill diff oil if available to prevent gear whine.
Rear axle upgrades
Completing Corris Rivett build passes registration for unlimited drives—no fines or seizures.
| Upgrade | Benefit | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| LSD Diff (e.g., SB) | Superior snow traction | +200 marks |
| High Ratio (SE 4.44) | Hill-climbing power | Base +100 |
| New Bearings / Hubs | No grinding noises | 120–180 |
| Winter Tires (Pair) | Pairs with axle for grip | 300–400 |
Troubleshooting rear axle issues
If it won't attach, double-check arms are bolted—common newbie skip; noises mean worn gears, replace whole unit as partial diffs aren't modeled. Low gear warnings? Shift to high range (R key) unless towing; flip rear axle up on tractors for clearance.
Nail the rear axle for reliable winter hauls—upgrade to LSD/high-ratio for rallies, keep spares for RNG fails, and you'll conquer snow without pushing.
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